
Class 

Book 

Copyriglit}!^. 



CDSOUGHT DEPosrr. 




THE CHARM OF ANNUALS IN THE GARDEN 
Fig. 1. — ^An eminently successful utilization of Sweet Alyssum (see p. 31) in a 
delightfully planned border. There is nothing better with which to edge beds 
containing shrubs and herbaceous flowers of all sorts. Moreover, the dainty, 
vivacious blossoms are in evidence the entire Summer through^ — and from a single 
planting, if the withered bloonns are frequently removed. 



A Little Book 

of 

Annuals 



By \ 
ALFRED d'HOTTES 

DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE 
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY 



The "LITTLE BOOK" Series 



new york, n. y. 
The a. T. De La Mare Company, Inc. 

1922 






'^ 



COPYRIGHT, 1922, BY 

THE A. T. DE LA MARE COMPANY, INC. 

NEW YORK. N. Y. 



SEP ~5 1^22 

©aAJ881649 



CONTENTS 



CONTENTS 

Page 
Preface 10 

The Use of Annuals 11 

Ordering Seeds 13 

Classes of Annuals 14 

Seed Sowing 16 

Transplanting . . . . 19 

Pinching ; 21 

The Hoe vs. the Hose 21 

Watering vs. Sprinkling 22 

Annuals and Shade 23 

Fall Sowing and Self-sown Annuals 23 

Hotbeds and Goldframes 25 

Annual Flowers and Their Uses 27 

These flowers please us with For poor soil 29 

their fragrance. . . 27 For temporary hedges 28 

Flowers for picking 27 Edging annuals 28 

Foliage annuals 28 For hot, dry places 29 

For moist places 28 

A Chain of Ten Links. 29 

Annuals of Merit. (See index for particular sorts) 31 

Ornamental Grasses 95 

Everlastings 97 

Decorative Seed Pods 103 

Annual Vines 105 

Index to Plant Names Ill 

Tabular Cultural Index 113 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

Fig. 1 — The charm of annuals in the garden (Sweet Alyssum) 

Frontispiece 
Page 

Fig. 2 — Two suggested annual horder planting plans 10 

Fig. 3 — Sowing seeds in pots 15 

Fig. 4 — A flat for seed sowing 17 

Fig. 5 — A handy frame for marking out rows in a seed flat 17 

Fig. 6 — Small pots for seedlings hard to transplant 18 

Fig. 7 — Seedlings of some common annuals 19 

Fig. 8 — Good and poor seedlings contrasted 20 

Fig. 9 — The eff'ect of pinching or topping 20 

Fig. 10 — Watering fine seeds or seedhngs 21 

Fig. 11 — A plan for a corner planting of yellow and gold 22 

Fig. 12 — A forcing box 24 

Fig. 13 — Section of a hotbed frame 25 

Fig. 14 — Four suggestions for arrangements of annuals 30 

Fig. 15 — Ageratum, Blue-eyed African Daisy, Agemone and Browallia. .32 

Fig. 16 — Prince's Feather, Balsam and Calendula 34 

Fig. 17 — Coreopsis Drummondii and C. tinctoria 37 

Fig. 18 — The showy Castor Bean plant 38 

Fig. 19 — Cockscomb, Candytuft, and Woolflower 40 

Fig. 20 — Sweet Sultans and Corn Flowers, or Bachelor's Buttons 42 

Fig. 21 — Types of China Asters 43 

Fig. 22 — China Asters effectively placed along a garden walk 44 

Fig. 23 — Clarkia and the Annual Chrysanthemum 47 

Fig. 24 — How to tie plants to stakes; also Giant Spider Flower, and 

Cosmos 49 

Fig. 25 — Blue Lace Flower, Four o' Clock and Gaillardia 51 

Fig. 26 — Datura, Flora's Paint Brush, African Orange Daisy, and Cal- 
ifornia Poppies 52 

Fig. 27 — Scarlet Flax, Godetia, Bocket-flowered Larkspur, Hunne- 

mannia, and Lavatera 56 

Fig. 28 — Gypsophila, a dainty, almost indispensable flower. . 57 

Fig. 29 — ^An attractive edging of the dwarf, upright Lobelia 60 

Fig. 30 — Lupine spikes make dainty cut flowers 61 

Fig. 31— Three kinds of Marigolds 61 

Fig. 32 — Mignonette — "its sweetness wins all hearts" 63 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 9 

Page 

Fig. 33 — Leaves of the Sensitive Plant 64 

Fig. 34 — The Monkey Flower, bizarre, but well worth growing 64 

Fig. 35— The dwarf Morning Glory 65 

Fig. 36 — Ornamental Tobacco in the daytime with flowers closed 66 

Fig. 37 — The blue Nigella flowers with their lacy collars 68 

Fig. 38 — A glorious mass of Pansies and Petunias 70 

Fig. 39 — Phlox Drummondii, Pentstemon and Star Phlox 74 

Fig. 40 — The Opium Poppy, Physahs and Double China Pinks 76 

Fig. 41 — The graceful, silky petaled Shirley Poppies 77 

Fig. 42 — Salpiglossis, Portulaca and Scabiosa 78 

Fig. 43 — Stock, Sunflowers, Schizanthus and Snapdragon 82 

Fig. 44 — An excellent example of the successful use of Kochia 83 

Fig. 45 — Diagram comparing old and new Sweet Pea planting methods . 87 
Fig. 46 — Zinnias, Torenia, Verbenas, Orchid-flowering Sweet Peas and 

Virginian Stock 90 

Fig. 47 — Some of the more popular ornamental grasses 96 

Fig. 48— Strawflowers 100 

Fig. 49 — The amusing Canary Bird Vine 104 

Fig. 50 — Nasturtiums provide abundant flowers 104 

Fig. 51 — Gobaea, Morning Glory, the Cypress Vine, the Balsam Apple, 

and Dipper Gourds 106 




10 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 



PREFACE 

THIS little book of annuals has been written for the increasing throng 
of amateurs who grow flowers for the love of them. It is meant 
to be a guide through the season of annual bloom. It is hoped 
that it will open some doors to greater success and that it may intro- 
duce you to some new friends. Do not shun one of these new acquaint- 
ances because its name is long — no doubt your name also is long, 
difficult to pronounce and with far less meaning. 

And if you pause before planting because of lack of experience, 
remember that love of flowers finds a way as quickly as knowledge. 
There are friends on every hand ready and anxious to advise you. 
Advice from a flower lover is as free as the rain and the sunshine. 

Credit should be given to some of my friends who have criticized 
and helped in many ways, and to the hopeless array of catalogs now 
upon my desk — all of whom and which have contributed to this brief 
account of the vast group of alluring annual flowers. 

Alfred G. Hottes. 
Columbus, 0., February 14, 1922. 





AFRICAN , Cornflower 

HARlGOia _ _ _ 

FEATnERED 



CORN-|loP 5IX PACK£TS^^^",,„oLD 

"ii:?/^'" E'LUEr^YtLLOn AMD WniT> 



FOUNTAIN GRASS 



SNAPDRAGON - HEDIUM TALC 



A PirAS/HG 



5NAPDPAG0N- DWARF 



5WEET ALY5SUM 



Fig. 2. — ^Two suggested annual border planting plans. Other suggestions for the 
use of difTei;ent annuals in combination will be found on pages 22 and 30. 



THE USE OF ANNUALS 11 



THE USE OF ANNUALS 

AMONG the choicest flowers scattered over the earth are some 
whose Hves are short. They sprout from seed, grow, flower 
produce seed in their turn — and then die, aU within the limits 
of a single season of our gardening year. These are the annuals. The 
very aim of their existence is seed production, and if it were not for 
our watchful care, many of the sorts would exhaust themselves early 
in the season. The more flowers we pluck the more they bloom. 
This is the great charm of annuals. They may always be depended 
upon to give a splendid showing the year they are sown. 

Each of you who reads these words has a definite object in doing 
so. Perhaps you are expert in their care and familiar with their 
habits and read because the love of gardens prompts you to spend 
one-half the year rearing the flowers and the other half reading about 
them. Perhaps you have a new house and have resolved to make it 
a homelike place where flowers add their gentle touch. Or again, per- 
haps you have grown some of the annuals and are anxious to grow 
others because you like color, fragrance and form. There is nothing 
more fascinating than growing some diff'erent flowers each year. 

For you who are just beginning your garden enthusiasm we must 
frankly write that you are plunging into dangerous waters. The 
interest in gardening is absorbing, it will draw you into many difli- 
culties. You will neglect some of your work and the less enthusi- 
astic gardeners of your family will sometimes criticize your personal 
appearance. They will often hint that you never rest. They will 
think that you are trying to be superior when you repeat the botanical 
names. At the same time do not fear, for no matter what they say 
of you, you can depend upon their accepting the flowers after you 
have grown them. 

The true lovers of annuals are those whose homes are surrounded 
by the permanent plantings of shrubs and perennial flowers. They 
realize that some spot will need a little fixing. They are wise enough 
to know that every particular season will be severe for some sort of 
plant and that if Spring finds them without a few packets of annual 
seeds on hand, they will regret their lack of foresight. Let the 
annuals serve as understudies for the shrubs and perennials, so that 
should they sicken and die the annuals can be substituted. 



12 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 

Those who rent their homes feel as keen a need for flowers as those 
more permanently established. When the income is limited, they 
often feel that money should not be spent upon the more lasting, 
slower developing shrubbery and perennials. A few dollars spent 
on annuals will bring joy to these families and when they have to 
move there will be fewer regrets. So it is also with those persons who 
have modest country homes and cottages at the lakeside. How much 
a few flowers add to the livability of these houses! 

How many city homes are without gardens in spite of the oppor- 
tunities offered by windowsills and porches. Hanging baskets, pots 
of flowers and porch boxes all demand annuals. Have vines to trail, 
climb, shade and frame views. Have annuals in boxes and pots to 
convert the porch into a veritable garden. Perhaps you have ridden 
in the elevated trains in New York City and noticed the Geraniums 
in tin cans, the vines upon fire escapes. They are the expression of 
a universal human hunger for flowers. 

The hearts of children respond to flowers, especially when the 
parents encourage the interest. They love the bright colors. They 
enjoy planting the seeds, watching the plants grow, seeing them pro- 
duce the gay flowers. Every home yard should afl'ord some little 
space where the boys and girls may have a garden of their own. Instill 
in children this love of beauty, this need for careful attention to details, 
and they will not outgrow it. Our whole country will be embellished 
with flowers in the future. The desert and Arctic regions produce 
their flowers, their climatic obstacles notwithstanding; yet all too many 
homes are without flowers in states where rain falls abundantly and 
the sun tempers the climate. 

Dr. L. G. Gorbett once wrote: 

"Plants are the missionaries of Nature constantly at work attempt- 
ing to cover some ugly scar which civilized man has made in his struggle 
to wrest from the earth the living which he claims she owes him. If 
you will but give Natiu-e the suggestion of your wishes in the form of 
a few choice seeds she will paint for you the rich shades of the Pansy 
or the Phlox; she will carpet your floor with a velvet rug of green 
and strew upon its surface in bold contrast the golden disks of the 
Dandelion or the bright, saucy faces of the Grocus. She will drape 
your walls with a festoon of green and hide therein rich gems of pur- 
ple, of crimson, and of white; and, if you ask it, she will screen one 
apartment from another with barriers of green which may or may not 
carry bright floral gems." 



ORDERING SEEDS IS 



ORDERING SEEDS 

FREQUENTLY the question is asked. "Why are my flowers so 
small, so single or of such a poor habit of growth P" Sometimes 

this question can be truthfully answered by saying that the 
person has purchased inferior seed. Hence the admonition: Buy the 
best seed obtainable. 

Some of the largest and most fully double flowers produce but 
little seed. Seed of the best Pansies, Sweet Peas, China Asters and 
Petunias is always more expensive than the seed of ordinary mixed 
sorts. Newer varieties are usually more expensive because each 
seedsman has but a limited quantity of their seed. 

When browsing over a catalog it is better to mark a packet of 
each of several good colors of the flowers you want than several packets 
of the mixed varieties. The clear colors are usually better selected. 
Those who like mixture should sow together the colors they prefer. 

Whenever seed is off'ered in bulk for a few cents more than a 
packet would cost, remember that you get a larger quantity by buying 
one-sixteenth ounce than is usually sold in a packet of presumably 
the same weight. 

Many persons are led to buy seeds by the beautiful picture on 
the envelope and neglect to think of the seed within. Generally it 
is best to patronize seedsmen who have regular stores for selling seeds, 
or those who issue catalogs. Grocers and ten-cent stores usually are 
not seedsmen. They cannot advise you what to buy nor are they 
fitted to handle the freshest seeds of the better varieties. 

Shall you order seeds of novelties .^^ The attractive first few 
pages of many catalogs display the newer sorts of flowers. Remember 
that these flowers have not been tested widely, that they may not be 
adapted to your locality, that being but recently produced the seeds 
do not always come true — yes, remember all these things, and then 
if you are tempted to try them, do so. You may be surprised one 
way or another. They may prove a joy because of their rareness — 
and if they are not wholly successful, bear in mind that curiosity costs 
something. Yet no packet of seed cataloged ever cost a fortuije, 



14 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 



CLASSES OF ANNUALS 

WHOEVER would succeed with annuals should know whether 
they will tolerate being sown in cold soil or whether it is 
necessary to sow them only when the soil is warm. 
There are three sorts of annuals : 

Hardy Annuals. The word "hardy" applied to plants has a 
different meaning than "hearty," although some persons speak incor- 
rectly of "hardy Castor Beans," meaning that they are strong growing. 
Hardy means that the annual will stand the cold and may be sown 
with perfect safety either in the late Fall or early Spring. Such 
annuals are usually sown directly in the beds and transplanted farther 
apart as they need more space. No strict lists can be given of hardy 
annuals, for hardiness is a variable quality. Some annuals are hardy 
in sandy ground ; others are hardy because the snow covers the soil 
and protects them over Winter; while in some parts of the United 
States an entirely different list would be necessary because the cold 
weather is of short duration. See page 23 for a discussion of Fall- 
sowing and self-sowing annuals. 

Tender Annuals. Tender annuals are those which can stand 
no cold either in Spring or Fall. They must never be sown out in 
cold soil but only when the trees are in leaf. When sown in March 
in a warm window or hotbed, they will bloom earlier than otherwise. 
The following annuals are generally considered tender. (Those 
marked with a * sometimes self-sow but are best treated as though 
tender) : 

*Ageratum (Floss Flower) Malope (Annual Mallow) 

*Browallia (Amethyst) Mesembryanthemum (Ice Plant, 

Canary Creeper ^o^ Fig Marigold) 

Chrysanthemum, Annual mignonette 

J^ ,r^. . o • 1 r>i „+N Mimosa (Sensitive Plant) 

*Cleome (Giant Spider Plant) Mimulus (Monkey Flower, or 

CoB^A Mugt Plant) 

DiDiscus Momordica (Balsam Apple) 

DoLicHOS (Hyacinth Bean) Morning Glory, Dwarf 

Euphorbia heterophylla (An- Nasturtium 

nual Poinsettia) Nemophila 

Gourd *Nicotiana 

*Impatiens (Balsam) Phacelia 

LiNARiA (Toadflax) Phaseolus (Scarlet Runner Bean) 



CLASSES OF ANNUALS 



15 



Tender Annuals, continued 



Rhodanthe (Swan River Ever- 
lasting) 
RiciNus (Castor Bean) 
Salvia (Scarlet Sage) 
Salpiglossis (Painted Tongue) 
ScHizANTHus (Butterfly Flower) 



Stock 

Tagetes signata pumila (Mex- 
ican Marigold) 
ToRENiA (Wishbone Flower) 
Verbena 
Zea (Variegated Corn) 



Half-hardy Annuals. This is a convenient class in which are 
placed principally those annuals which benefit by being given an 
earlier start than they would receive if sown directly in the open 
ground. Usually it is not safe to sow them outside until danger 
from frost is passed. The growing season of northern United States 
is a trifle short to permit these sorts to bloom early. Usually they 
require warmth during their early growth. Sow them, therefore, in 
the hotbed or in boxes in a sunny window in March. 

The following are half-hardy annuals: 



Acroclinium 

Ammobium (Winged Everlasting) 

Basket Flower (Centaurea amer- 

icana) 
China Aster 
Cypress Vine 
Datura (Angel's Trumpet) 
Dimorphotheca (Orange African 

Marigold) 
Emilia (Tassel Flower) 
Helichrysum (Straw Flower) 
Helipterum Humboldtianum 

HORDEUM 

HuMULus (Hop) 



HuNNEMANNiA(Bush Eschscholtzia ) 

LiNUM (Flax) 

Lobelia 

Job's Tears (Coix) 

Pennisetum (Fountain Grass) 

Petunia 

Phlox Drummondii 

Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower) 

Sweet Sultan (Centaurea imperi- 

alis) 
Thunbergia (Black-eyed Susan 

Vine) 
Verbena 
Xeranthemum 




tij 



Fig. 3. — Sowing Seeds in Pots. A. — Sowing seed in a spiral insures space between 
the seedlings and their even distribution. B. — Seeds started in a standard pot. 
C. — Seed in a three-quarters pot or Azalea pan. D. — A seed pan. Note broken 
crockery in bottom of all pots and rough drainage material in the deeper ones. 
Also the space left at top of each pot for watering and ventilation. 



16 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 



SEED SOWING 

SOIL. Young seedlings have but few roots and leaves and are 
able to take little food from the earth. For this reason it is wise to 
sow seeds in loose, but not too rich, soil. A heavy clay which bakes 
should have ashes or sand added to it to loosen its texture. Manure, 
unless applied months before, is not necessary, 

If you are going to sow seeds in boxes in early Spring, it is well 
to store a quantity of soil in the basement over Winter. Moisten 
it once a month to keep it in good condition but do not keep it wet, 
else it will sour. 

Sowing in Pots. When not more than 25 plants of each kind 
of flower are wanted, pots will be the easiest to manage. If possible 
use the shallow seed pots or pans which range in size from four to 
eight inches in diameter. Seedlings require but little soil and if there 
is too much of it, it sometimes becomes sour. 

Clean the pots thoroughly by scraping them out with a knife 
and stiff" paper. They are made porous so that air may enter the 
soil; keep them so. Place a piece of broken crockery over the hole 
in the bottom of each pot to prevent the soil from sifting out, but do 
not close the hole in such a way that water cannot pass out freely. 

When deep, standard flower pots are used it is wise to fill them 
to within two inches of the top with coarse material. This may 
consist of grass roots, broken pottery, or the roughage left when soil 
is sifted. 

The soil in which the seed is to be sown should be finely sifted 
and filled in to within an inch of the top of the pot. Filling the pots 
too full and failure to use enough soil are equally to be avoided. Press 
the soil down firmly and make it perfectly level; if otherwise, the 
water will settle to one side. 

Sow the seeds thinly and in a spiral as shown in Fig. 3. This 
method is analagous to sowing the seeds in rows and is advantageous 
because one can more easily weed the seedlings. Large seeds are 
covered three times their diameter with sand. Why sand ? Because 
the seedling sprouts can push up through it more easily than through 
soil. Furthermore, the young plants are less liable to become dis- 
eased in their young stages. Use special precautions in sowing the 
finer seeds, (See page 18.) 



SEED SOWING 



17 




Fig. 4. — Flat for seed sowing. 



Water the seeds thoroughly with a fine spray on the sprinkling 
can so that the soil is not washed. Cover the pots with panes of 
glass so that the moisture will not evaporate from them too quickly. 
Then shade the pots with a newspaper. Most seeds prefer to ger- 
minate in the dark, but as soon as the seeds have germinated the 
paper must be removed or the seedlings will be tall, spindly and weak. 
Full light must be available if one is to produce stocky, hearty plants. 
Compare the seedlings in figure 8, page 20. 

Sowing in Boxes. When large quantities of flowers are to be 
grown it is well to sow the seeds in boxes or flats about three inches 
deep. It is a mistake to try to make these water-tight; rather place 
the bottom boards a quarter of an inch apart or bore five or six holes 
in the bottom to aff'ord good drainage. Place some broken pottery 
over the holes and rough material in the bottom of the flats, following 
the plan given in connection with the use of pots for seed sowing. 

There is one important point to remember when flats are used: 
Never sow the quick-germinating sorts in the same box with the 
slower kinds because when one needs light and water the other may 
be needing darkness and no water. When in doubt use a separate 
flat or pot for each sort. For example, it is unwise to sow Petunias 

and Ageratum in the 
same flat with Sweet 
Aly ssum . Thei Petu- 
nias will not all start 
together and some 
will take weeks to 
germinate, while the 
Sweet Alyssum will 
^. . . . . , , . germinate in a few 

rig. 5. — ^A handy frame for marking out rows ■, 

in a seed flat. dayS. 




18 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 



Sowing Out of Doors. Some gardeners who say with much 
emphasis, "I love flowers," sow seeds in such a way as to behe their 
words. With a hoe or rake they scratch the soil to a depth of an inch 
or so — and sow the seeds. The hot sun drys the surface soil. The 
seedlings fail to germinate, or, having germinated, fmd difficulty in 
sending their meagre roots into the heavy, sodden soil beneath. The 
sowers then say, "The seed was poor. I'll never buy any more seed 
from that firm." Had the soil been well spaded, had manure been 
added, or sand or ashes mixed with the surface layer, success would 
have attended theu" efforts. The first commandment of successful 
plant growing is to do your level best to fully prepare the soil. 

Some seeds may be sown where they are to remain, others must 
be transplanted. Some seedlings are difficult to transplant; these 
are discussed on page 19. (See also fig. 6, below.) 

Seeds which are slow to germinate may be covered with burlap 
which will retain the moisture 

Succeeding with Fine Seeds. Garden lovers who are suc- 
cessful in sowing the smaller seeds will usually have less difficulty 
with larger ones. By fine seeds we mean those of 
Lobelia Phlox Snapdragon 

Ornamental Tobacco Poppy (all kinds) Torenia 

Petunia Portulaca (Sun Rose) Verbena 

Sai-piglossis 

In sowing these follow the recommendations already mentioned 
but do not cover the seeds with soil. When pots or flats are employed 
use a very poor grade of tissue paper as a cover for the seeds and do 
not omit the pane of glass over the pot or box. Some persons find it 
advisable to thoroughly water the soil before sowing, thus eliminating 
the danger of washing away the tiny seeds. 

Small seeds sown out in the open are best covered with burlap 
which can be sprinkled from time to time. 




Fig. 6. — For seedlings hard to transplant, small pots or paper bands rnay be used 

to advantage. This is an especially good way to start Sweet Peas. Place soil 

between the pots to prevent them from drying out quickly. 



TRANSPLANTING 



19 



TRANSPLANTING 



GENERALLY speaking, most annuals are sown too thickly and 
are not transplanted or thinned out soon enough. Tall, leggy, 
crowded seedUngs are disappointing. 
When the first true leaves appear the plants should be carefully 
lifted and transplanted. Each annual develops best when given 
plenty of soil and air; and experience teaches us the proper space 
each sort requires. (See under cultural notes, pages 31 et seq.) 



®#^ 




PINK 



Fig. 7. — Seedlings of some common annuals, shewing the seed leaves and the f rst 
true leaves. Most seedlings are ready to transplant at this stage. 

Difficult to Transplant. Some annuals which do not stand 
transplanting well should be thinned. It takes a brave hand to pull 
the surplus young hopefuls and an optimistic mind to believe that 
the remaining seedlings will ever occupy the space recommended. 
The Pea-like and Poppy-like annuals and those with long unbranched 
roots are the ones most difficult to transplant. The following reference 
hst of such sorts will be found useful: 



20 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 




Fig. 8. — Good and poor seedlings con- 
trasted. The poor one at the left is tall 
and spindly — the see'd was sown too 
thickly and the plants got too little light. 
Note also its long, unbranched root sys- 
tem which will make it hard to trans- 
plant without a ckeck. 



Argemone (Mexican Prickly 

Poppy) 
EscHSCHOLTZiA (California Poppy) 
HiJNNEMANNiA (Giant Yellow Tulip 

Poppy) 
Lavatera 
Lupine 
Mignonette 

Poppy (Shirley and Opium) 
Sweet Peas 
Sweet Sultan 

Such aiiDuals are well sown 
in individual pots — three or four 
seeds in each. When the seeds 
germinate all but one of the seed- 
lings may be removed. See figure 
6, page 18. 

How AND When to Trans- 
plant. Transplant when the 
seedlings crowd each other. Water the soil several hours before trans- 
planting in order that as much as possible will adhere to the roots. 
It is well to choose a dull day for moving tender seedlings. If the sun 
is shining, the seedlings and the larger plants as 
well, should be covered with newspaper or flower 
pots so that their tops will not dry out. Two 
other precautions are advisable: puddling the 
roots and shortening the tops. 

If one makes a thin mud of clay and water 
and dips the roots of the plants into it, a layer 
of soil will be formed about 
the roots and check evapora- 
tion, a precaution especially 
valuable when the soil is dry. 

Whenever we dig a plant 
we injure its roots. This be- 
ing the case, it is generally 
advisable to cut off a portion 
of the leaves to create a bal- 
ance between the injured roots 
and the leaf area. 

If these things are done 
plants may be moved at any 
time if watered thoroughly and 




'^-t|^4^^,.ccs:*L — ou^ 



shaded immediately thereafter. 



Fig. 9. — ^The effect of pinching or topping is 
shown in the plant at the left. 



PINCHING 



21 



PINCHING 



SOME annuals do not branch as freely as we might wish, while others 
hurry into bloom before the plants attain a desirable bushy form 

or sufficient size. If we pinch them, that is, nip out the top buds, 
they will usually branch freely and bloom more abundantly. In most 
cases one had best not pinch all the seedhngs because pinching often 
delays the bloom. It is, therefore, wise to pinch half of the plants, 
allowing the others to bloom naturally. Pinching can thus be both 
beneficial and harmful, and should be done judiciously. (See fig. 9,) 

Crowded seedlings should not be pinched, nor should the yarieties 
whose beauty depends upon a large rocket spike of bloom. Most 
annuals branch freely when given space to develop, and do not require 
pinching. 



Pinch These 
Ageratum 
Browallia 

Butterfly Flower (Schizanthus) 
Chrysanthemum, Annual 
Perilla 
Petunia 
Phacelia 
Phlox 
Pinks 



Salpiglossis 
Snapdragon 
Verbena 

Do Not Pinch These 
Cockscomb 
Everlastings 
Impatiens (Balsam) 
Poppy 
Stock 



THE HOE vs. THE HOSE 

THE careful gardener conserves more water than he applies. By 
preventing the soil from baking and cracking at the surface we 

prevent the escape of moisture into the air and thereby con- 
serve it below. Plants give off large quantities of water from 
their leaves but if one keeps the 
soil well stirred after each rain 
there will be but httle loss of 
moisture from the dry, powdery 
surface. 

Those flowers which need 
the most water are usually found c- m t u c j ji- 

. 'Ill rig. 10. — to water fine seeds or seedling^s 

to be grOWmg on soil that has place the pot or pan in a dish of water so 
^^4- U^^^ ^^^ , 1 J 1,, the moisture can seep up from below. Less 

not been prepared deeply. damping-off follows this method. 




ol 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 




Fig. 11. — A corner planting of annuals in which the 

dominant color scale ranges from light yellow to 

golden orange. 



In addition to the mulch of loose soil, main- 
tained by cultivation, grass cHppings and fine litter 
will help conserve the supply of water. 



WATERING vs. SPRINKLING 

More plants are injured by sprinkHng than by drought. If you 
believe that water is needed, make a good job of it and do not merely 
give the plants a "dribble" each day. Seedlings given frequent 
sprinklings, soon become diseased. Water them well, then wait 
until they are nearly dry before doing it again. Seedhngs are easily 
watered by placing the pot in which they are growing in a dish of 
water so that the moisture rises from below. (See fig. 10.) 

It makes little difference in the Summer whether one waters in 
full sunlight or at night, except that water applied in the evening will 
be more effective because the sun has no chance to quickly evaporate 
it. However, seedlings started early indoors or in hotbeds should 
be watered in the morning so that moisture will not stand upon the 
leaves over night. 

Persons sometimes notice that their plants have wilted when 
watered in the sunshine. This has been due to the fact that they 
have merely sprayed the leaves and have not applied enough water 
to the roots. When there is sufficient water at the roots the tops will 
not wilt unless the weather has been very dull and the growth has 
been abnormally soft. 



FALL SOWING AND SELF SOWING 



23 



ANNUALS AND SHADE 

As a general statement it may be said that annuals are not lovers 
of shade. Some succeed when grown in partial shade, however, and 
as there are many such nooks in our gardens the following sorts may 
be recommended for them: 



China Asters 
Glarkia 

GODETIA 

Lupine 
Monkey Flower 



Musk Plant 
Nemophila (Love 

Grove) 
Pansy 



ScHizANTHus (Butter- 
fly Flower) 
Snapdragon 
Sweet Alyssum 
Sweet Sultan 



FALL SOWING AND SELF-SOWN 

ANNUALS 



MANY of the hardiest annuah can well be sown in the Fall. Under 
these conditions the seedlings germinate early in the Spring 
and come into bloom as quickly as if the seeds had been sown 
indoors or in a hotbed. 

Some of them may germinate in the Fall and make some growth 
before Winter, which is advantageous, for then they usually start 
growing after Winter passes as though nothing had happened. 

It is wise to place a light mulch of finely pulverized, well-rotted 
manure over beds of Fall-sown plants. Let it be only an inch or so 
thick, for it must not choke out the seedhngs. 

The following annuals may be sown in the Fall: 



Alyssum, Sweet 

Antirrhinum (Snapdragon) 

Calendula (Pot Marigold) 

Centaurea (Cornflower) 

Clarkia 

Delphinium (Annual Larkspur) 

DiANTHus (China Pinks) 



EcHiNOCYSTis (Wild Cucumber) 

EscHSCHOLTZiA (California Poppy) 

Iberis (Candytuft) 

NiGELLA (Love-in-a-Mist) 

Pansy 

Papaver (Poppy) 

Sweet Peas 



Besides these, many sorts self-sow their seed. That is, they 
send up what the gardener calls "volunteer plants." Let us read 
what Helen R. Albee writes in Hardy Plants for Cottage Gardens about 
self-sown annuals. 

"My walks are covered with sand, for it does not track into the 
house as the native soil would. Sand has another advantage; it serves 



24 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 



as a seed bed for a multitude of self-sowing plants. When I desire 
particularly strong annuals, I do not plant the seed; I look about my 
walks until I find them. They have stood the test of Winter and a 
frosty Spring. Anyone who has watered seeds to young planthood 
has a genuine admiration for self-supporting, walk-grown plants." 

If the border is somewhat protected with a mulch of garden 
trash or manure many sorts will spring up. It is then that the garden 
lover is pleased that he knows the differences between flower seedhngs 
and weed seedlings. A few seedlings are shown in figure 7, page 19. 

Watch out for the following annual seedlings; although your 
climate may not favor all of them, many of them may be depended 
upon to self-sow: 



Ageratum (Floss Flower) 

Alyssum, Sweet 

Amaranthus (Love-Lies-Bleeding, 

or Prince's Feather) 
Argemone (Prickly Poppy) 
Balsam (Impatiens) 
Browallia (Amethyst) 
Calendula (Pot Marigold) 
Galliopsis (tinctoria) 
Candytuft (Iberis) 
Centaurea (Cornflower) 
Clarkia 

Cleome (Giant Spider Plant) 
Cosmos 

EcHiNOCYSTis (Wild Cucumber) 
Eschsgholtzia (California Poppy) 
Euphorbia (Snow-on-the-Moun- 

tain) 



FouR-o' Clock (Mirabilis) 
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) 

GODETIA 

Gypsophila (Baby's Breath) 

KocHiA (Summer Cypress) 

Larkspur (Delphinium) 

Marigold (African and French) 

Morning Glory 

NiGELLA (Love-in-a-Mist) 

NicoTiANA (Ornamental Tobacco) 

Pansy 

Petunia 

Poppy (Papaver) 

Portulaca (Sun Bose) 

Snapdragon 

Sunflower 

Zinnia 




Fig. 12. — A Forcing Box. — A soap box with a pane of glass over it will retain the 
heat of the sun and be useful for early seed sowing. 



HOTBEDS AND GOLDFRAMES 



25 



HOTBEDS AND COLDFRAMES 

SOME homes have greenhouses and others have good sunny win- 
dows; persons without either should provide means for starting 

some early plants for the garden. 

The common hotbed is a frame into which manure may be packed 
to furnish heat to a layer of soil on top. Most home gardeners will 
find that a frame large enough to be covered by one three foot by six 
foot sash is the proper size. Hotbed sash had best be purchased but 
the frame may be made at home or bought ready made. 

A temporary hotbed may be made by constructing a frame of the 
same size 12 inches high at the back and 8 inches high in front. This is 
set upon a pile of manure a foot and a half deep. Less heat is lost, 
however, if more permanent frames are constructed. The prepara- 
tions should begin in the Autumn with the digging of a two-foot pit 
in which the frame is built. The accompanying cut shows how to 
construct such a frame 




Fig. 13. 



-Section of a hotbed frame with details of measurements. Reproduced 
from a Cornell bulletin. 



26 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 

Preparation of Hotbed. Cover the frame with boards during 
the Winter to keep out the snow. Early in March in some locahties, 
such as central Ohio (the last week in March in latitudes farther 
north), the frame may be filled with fresh horse manure. (Decayed 
manure has stopped fermenting and lost its heat.) Before it is used 
the manure should be turned several times to insure even heating. 
Spread it in the hotbed evenly and tread it down rather firmly. A 
layer of straw on the manure will distribute the heat uniformly through 
the hotbed. Over the straw place about four inches of loose, light 
soil. Do not use a wet, heavy soil. If possible store the soil in the 
basement and make it friable by adding to it manure, leafmold or 
sand. Level the soil nicely and cover the bed with the sash. 

Management. Use a thermometer to take the temperature of 
the soil which may run up above 100 deg. F. for a few days. When 
it drops to 90 deg. the seed may be sown. Mats spread over the 
sash will help to retain the heat on the coldest nights. For this pur- 
pose straw mats may be purchased or made, but old quilts or blankets 
may also be used. The sun will heat up the frames so that even in 
freezing weather the temperature will rise above 100 deg. unless 
the sash is opened a little during the day. Keeping the frame tightly 
closed will cause the burning of tender seedlings. When the plants 
need water give it only on sunny mornings. Opening the sash to 
water at night causes a loss of heat; evening watering also results in 
the spread of mildews and other diseases. 

GoLDFRAMES. Goldframcs are similar to hotbeds except that 
no pit is necessary because no manure is used. Sun shining through 
the sash, as we all know, will heat the frame considerably and by the 
use of protecting mats and blankets we can keep it quite warm 
even at night. The management of a coldframe is the same as that 
of a hotbed. Seeds sown in a frame will come into bloom several 
weeks earlier than those sown outdoors. Frames are useful also for 
carrying some annuals through the Winter. Many of the plants 
Hsted in this book are really perennials that will not stand the severe 
weather of northern Winters. 

Again, annuals started in a sunny window are often rather soft 
in growth and sometimes perish when set out in the garden, especially 
if the weather is either hot or cold. By placing these plants in these 
coldframes we can gradually adapt them to outdoor conditions. The 
professional gardener calls this "hardening-off the plants." 

Forcing Box. A very useful "miniature coldframe" for growing 
a few plants is illustrated in figure 12, page 24. It is an ordinary 
box from the grocer's covered with a pane of glass. 



ANNUAL FLOWERS AND THEIR USES 27 



ANNUAL FLOWERS AND THEIR 
USES 

These Please Us with their Fragrance 

FOR the eye there are many pleasures amons: our annuals but rela- 
tively few of these flowers possess the power to delight us with 
their sweet fragrance. It can be said that a certain flower is 
light pink in color, and funnel-shaped, but for kinds of fragrance there 
are few truly descriptive words except such comparisons as lemon- 
scented, clove-scented, etc. Each person must experience each odor 
to know what it is like. Personal tastes difl'er widely as to what 
shaU be cafled fragrance and what constitutes an objectionable odor. 
The following annuals are definitely scented: 

Ageratum. Delicate Musk Plant. Individual 

Alyssum, Sweet. Delicate Nasturtium. Admired by some 

Cleome (Giant Spider Plant). Ornamental Tobacco. A delight 

Some call this an odor although it in the evening 

is not noticeable unless the plants Pansy. A refreshing fragrance 

are brushed or bruised Petunia. Heavy; to some persons 

Heliotrope. Generally considered depressing 

the par excellence of fragrance Scabiosa. Dainty 

Hop Vine. Tastes differ Stock. Unusual; fresh 

Marigold. By all considered an Sweet Peas. Delicate; enjoyed by 

odor; intolerable to some but un- all 

objectionable to others Sweet Sultan. Delicate 

Marigold, Pot. An odor but not Verbena. Some sorts are Arbutus- 

generally disliked like 
Mignonette. Called delightful by Verbena, Lemon. Really lemon- 
all scented 

These Flowers are for Picking 

Some persons have made themselves ridiculous by contending 
that no flowers should ever be picked, "that they are better left upon 
the plants than ripped from the soil only to die in the house." Such 
ideas are not worth consideration. We do not rip our flowers from 
the garden to die. We pluck them to bring Springtime and harvest 
color to our tables, our windows, our friends, our churches and our 
many home and social occasions. If they wither it is after they have 
served their purpose, even as each of us must do. A flower in the 
hand is often worth twenty on our own or our neighbor's bush. And 



28 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 



with many of our annuals, the more profligate we are in cutting the 
flowers the more abundant is our return. 

The wise way to have an abundance of flowers for cutting is to 
sow them in rows far enough apart so that a wheel hoe may be used. 
When so planted they are easily cared for and armfuls may be cut 
with no regrets. 

Some of our annuals are chiefly valued for their masses of bloom 
in the gardens; others, because of their long stems and good keeping 
qualities are useful for vases. The list below includes the outstanding 
sorts only: 

Grasses, Ornamental 

Gypsophila 

Immortelle 

Larkspur 

Lavatera 

LoVE-IN-A-MlST 

Lo VE-LlES-B LEEDIN G . 

Lupines 

Marigold 

Matricaria 

Mignonette 

Nasturtium 

Pansy 

Phlox 

Pinks 

Poinsettia, Annual 



Acroclinium 

Argtotis 

Aster 

Basket Flower 

Browallia 

Butterfly Flower 

Calliopsis 

Carnation 

Gentaurea 

Chrysanthemum, An- 
nual 

Cosmos 

Everlasting Flow- 
ers 

Gaillardia 

Globe Amaranth 

GODETIA 



Poppies 

Pot Marigold 

Rhodanthe 

Ribbon Grass 

Salpiglossis 

scabiosa 

Snapdragon 

Squirrel's Tail 

Grass 
Statice 
Stocks 

Straw Flower 
Summer Cypress 
Sunflower 
Sweet Peas 
Sweet Sultan 
Zinnias 



Other Useful Lists 



Foliage Annuals 
Amaranthus. Joseph's Coat and 

others 
Argemone (Prickly Poppy) 
Castor Bean 
Grasses, Ornamental (see p. 95) 

KOCHIA 

Perilla 

Vines, Annual (see p. 105) 

For temporary hedges 
Balsam 

Fountain Grass 
Four o'Clock 
Helichrysum 

KOGHIA 

For moist places 
Mimulus 
Nemophila 



Edging Annuals 
Ageratum 
Alyssum, Sweet 
Baby's Breath 

Calliopsis (Choose dwarf variety) 
Candytuft 

Celosia (Choose dwarf variety) 
Lobelia 

Marigold (French and Mexican) 
Nasturtiums (Dwarf sorts) 
Nemophila 
Pansy 
Petunia 
Phlox, Annual 
portulaca 
Sanvitalia 
Scarlet Flax 
Snapdragon, Dwarf 
Swan River Daisy 
Verbena 



ANNUAL FLOWERS AND THEIR USES 29 

For poor soil Pot Marigoi-d 

Alyssum, Sweet Prince's Feather 
Balsam (Impatiens) 

Bachelor's Button ^or hot, dry places 

California Poppy California Poppy 

Calliopsis Fig Marigold 

GoDETiA Ice Plant 

Joseph's Coat Mimosa (Sensitive Plant) 

Love-Lies-Bleeding Morning Glory (Dwarf) 

Nasturtium Perilla 

Poppy Phlox, Annual 

Portulaca Portulaca 



A CHAIN OF TEN LINKS 

A chain is no stronger than its weakest link. There are ten hnks 
in the chain called "Success with Annuals." 

1. Buy good seed. Good breeding in flowers is as important as 
good breeding in livestock. 

2. Try some new sorts even if you do not know their names. 
Variety is the spice of the garden. 

3. Sow a space with flowers large enough to make a good eyeful. 
One of nature's laws is abundance. 

4. Prepare the soil thoroughly, adding some well-decayed manure. 
Use the spade before the rake. Some folks do not do this in sowing 
annuals and then wonder why the seed germination was so poor. 

5. Sow the seed thinly. This is sometimes a difficult task so that 
good gardeners frequently mix sand with fine seed. 

6. Do not sow deeply. Consider the load that the little sprout 
has to fift in pushing through the soil. The finest seeds should be 
covered not with soil, but with a piece of burlap. 

7. Thin out or transplant so as to let the plants stand the proper 
distance apart. Crowded seedlings are tall and leggy. Do this early 
in their growth, so that there is no struggle for existence. 

8. Cultivate. This will be easy if the plants are far enough apart. 

9. Annuals stop blooming when they are allowed to ripen seed. 
Remove the fading flowers. Better yet, pick the flowers while fresh 
and enjoy them in the house. 

10. Water thoroughly or not at all. Do not coax the roots to the 
surface by playing with the water and sprinkling. During very dry 
weather soak the soil; at other times, use the hoe. 



30 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 




Fig. 14. — Four suggestions for arrangements of annuals with which to beautify 

garden nooks and corners.^ Above, are shown combinations of blue and white and 

lemon and gold respectively. Below, the borders provide fragrance in the one case 

and a solid Poppy effect in the other. 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 31 



ANNUALS OF MERIT 

Ageratum — Floss Flower 

Use. Blue flowers are rather rare among annuals. This is one 
of the reasons for the great popularity of the Ageratums. The flowers 
are dainty and feathery, often delightfully fragrant, and usually 
completely cover the plants. There are attractive dwarf, tufted plants 
as well as tall, upright growers. The dwarfer sorts appear to produce 
much more bloom, although the tall sorts furnish longer-stemmed 
cut flowers. The blue of the Ageratum combines well with pink in 
the garden. The white varieties are not as attractive as many of the 
other white annuals. (See fig. 15, page 32.) 

Height 6 to 24 inches. 

Culture. The Ageratum is half hardy. Seed should be sown 
indoors any time between January and April in order to get early 
bloom. When sown in the open ground (which should not be done 
before the soil is warm) the plants do not reach their full splendor 
until Fall. 

Keep the faded flowers picked, otherwise the plants will stop 
flowering and the clear blue efl*ect will be marred. ' 

Alyssum, Sweet 

The Sweet Alyssum is one of our most useful white edging plants . 
Seed catalogs list many varieties of Alyssum maritimum, some being 
dwarf, tufted plants and others more or less trailing. (See frontis- 
piece.) 

Use. The various sorts are admirably adapted to rock gardens, 
old-fashioned gardens, pots, hanging baskets and borders around other 
flowers. They combine well with other flowers in attractive vase ar- 
rangements. It is well to buy seed in quantity so that a little may be 
sown in any space in the garden where other flowers have failed. Some 
seed may be even sown for Winter bloom in the large pots used for 
other flowers. 

Height 6-12 inches. 

Culture. Sweet Alyssum is a hardy annual. Seed may be sown 
as soon as the frost has left the soil in early Spring and the plants will 
bloom in less than six weeks. To have a succession of bloom sow seed 



32 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 




Upper left. Ageratum, a blue flower borne in great profusion; lower left, 
Blue-eyed African Daisy, has white blossoms with steel-blue centers; upper right, 



Fig. 15.- 



Agemone, has yellow flowers and spiny leaves and seed capsules; lower right, the 

small spray is Browallia alata, a dainty garden gem, while the larger bloom is B. 

speciosa, a useful pot plant. 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 33 

at least every month. If the seed is sown thinly, but little transplant- 
ing will be necessary, although the plants should preferably stand 
6 to 8 inches apart. Cut the plants back when they have passed their 
main season of bloom and they will shortly produce a second growth. 

Amaranthus 

There are many forms of Amaranthus, some of which have highly 
colored foliage while others have long spikes of blood-red flowers. 

Species. Love-Lies-Bleeding (A. caudatus) has long, drooping 
spikes of flowers resembling heavy chenille. Height 5-6 feet. 

Prince's Feather {A. hypochondriacus or A. cruenlus). The flower 
spikes are erect, and the leaves are often blood-red. Height 4-5 feet. 
(See fig. 16, page 34.) 

Joseph's Goat {A. tricolor). The foliage is beautifully marked with 
rich scarlet, yellow, green and white. Height 18-24 inches. 

Fountain Plant {A. salicifolius). The bronze or orange leaves are 
long, narrow and wavy margined. 

Uses. The various sorts of Amaranthus are closely allied to the 
Pigweeds and Gelosias, but the latter are daintier and have flowers 
of lovelier colors. At best these annuals are rather coarse and have 
only a limited value in the garden. They will grow in the hottest and 
driest locations. In rich soil the colors are not as brilliant and the 
plants grow foliage principally. 

GuLTURE. Seed may be sown in the hotbed or window of the 
home in March; or, if one prefers, the sowing may be deferred until 
the soil is warm outdoors. Thin the plants, as they require much 
space. 

The various sorts do not come perfectly true from seed; seed from 
the best plants often produce specimens with inferior flower spikes 
and less highly colored leaves. 

Arctotis — Blue-eyed African Daisy 

Uses. These lovely, Daisy-like flowers are excellent for cutting. 
The upper sides of the petals are white and the reverse lilac-blue, 
with the center of the flower steel-blue. The foliage is grey-green. 
Gut blooms last a week, closing each night and even some of the unde- 
veloped buds will open in water. The flower stems are often from 
10 to 12 inches long, the plants being 2 feet tall. (See fig. 15.) 

GuLTURE. Sow the seeds either in the open ground or in a hotbed. 
The seeds germinate in less than a week and the plants will bloom 
from July until frost. Transplant the seedlings to stand 12 inches to 
18 inches apart. 



34 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 




FLOWERING ANNUALS OF IVIERIT 35 

Argemone — Prickly, or Mexican Poppy 

These prickly-leaved, white and yellow Poppies are very interest- 
ing to grow. The white flowered sort {A. grandiflora) is really a peren- 
nial, but in the colder northern states it is used as an annual although 
not as free flowering as the yellow species (.4. mexicana). The latter 
grows 3 feet tall and has white-veined leaves. The flowers appear in 
early July and continue until freezing weather. (See iig. 15, page 3*^2.) 

Because of its beautiful variegated leaves, the. yellow sort is an 
excellent foliage plant. 

Culture. The seedlings are diflicult to transplant although 
they may be lifted when very small if taken up with a ball of soil. 
It is best to sow the seeds thinly so that it will not be necessary to 
move them. The plants will self sow. 

Balsam — Impatiens 

The Garden Balsam or Lady Slipper {Impatiens hahamina) is an 
old-fashioned favorite. The double and semi-double sorts, well called 
Camellia-flowered, are practically the only ones grown. These plants 
are closely related to the wild Touch-me-nots and, like them, have 
characteristic seed pods which open suddenly when touched. The 
blooms are of many delicate colors — white, flesh-pink, salmon, rose, 
purple and violet. The plants grow 18 inches tall and the stems are 
juicy and thick. (See fig. 10.) 

Uses. Balsams are rather formal plants of neat, compact habit. 
The flowers are produced close to the stem almost hidden among the 
leaves, and some gardeners remove a few of the leaves to better dis- 
close the blossoms. The plants may be grouped in the border or used 
as low hedges. 

Culture. Seed may be sown indoors, as growing the plants in 
small pots for a few weeks will dwarf them and make them more com- 
pact. Or sow directly in the soil out of doors in May. The plants will 
cover 12 inches to 18 inches of space. The flowers grow nicely in well- 
enriched sandy soil, and prefer full sunlight. 

Browallia — Amethyst 

The Browallias are extremely dainty. One sort, B. speciosa, with 
flowers an inch in diameter is grown in greenhouses; the other common 
sort, more useful for the garden, is B. alata (demissa) which has tiny 
blue (sometimes white) flowers about three-fourths of an inch in 



36 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 

diameter. It grows about 18 inches tall, but if very crowded will 
bloom when only an inch and a half tall. Browallias may be planted 
among Pansies in which case they grow above the Pansies, producing 
a little canopy of blue stars. The flowers are good for cutting. B. 
speciosa may be grown in pots in the house. The Browallias are related 
to Petunias and have the same good characteristic of producing hun- 
dreds of flowers. (See fig. 15, page 32.) 

Culture. Sow B. alata when the soil has warmed up slightly 
in the Spring. If the bed is protected over Winter the plants often 
self sow. Let the plants stand 6 inches apart. If some plants are 
pinched (see page 21) thiey will branch out nicely, remain dwarf and 
bloom later in the season. 

Calendula — Pot Marigold 

When Shakespeare mentioned the Marygold he meant this annual 
which for wealth of bloom, is without a rival. As the plants self sow, 
many persons have them in their gardens year after year. Flowers 
from such chance seedlings are often small and single so that some 
persons have tired of them, but were they to purchase seed of some of 
the better varieties they would experience a distinct surprise for these 
double, pure gold, lemon and sulphur-colored varieties are most attrac- 
tive. The stems are long and strong so that a few plants will furnish a 
vase of flowers every day. The plants start to bloom when small and 
continue even after the first frosts — but in order that they shall do 
this the fading flowers and seed heads must be removed promptly. 
Few flowers pick as easily as the Calendula, the stems breaking off" 
readily when pulled. (See fig. 16, page 34.) 

Culture. Sow the seed in the open soil in early Spring when- 
ever it can be worked. Allow 12 inches to 15 inches between the 
plants. The seedlings transplant readily. 

Calliopsis — Coreopsis 

The name Calliopsis is given to the annual forms of Coreopsis. 
These wiry-stemmed annuals provide some of the brightest flowers of 
the garden in golden yellow, velvety crimson and polished mahogany. 

Species. Coreopsis Driimmondii (Golden Wave) has blossoms 
3 inches in diameter, golden yellow with a few pencil lines of brown on 
each ray flower. It closely resembles the perennial sort (C. lanceolata) 
except for this center. Height 18 inches. (See fig. 17, left, page 37.) 

C. iinctoria (C, elegam and C. marmorata). There are many va- 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 



37 





Fig. 17. — Left, Coreopsis Drummondii, a most useful yellow flower for cutting; 
right, C. tinctoria has tiny blossoms of gold, each marked with mahogany. 

rieties of this brilliant species. The flowers are usually smaller than 
those of the first named sort, but they are marked with large blotches 
of mahogany, chestnut, crimson, garnet and purple. Height 1 foot 
to 3 feet, according to the variety. (See fig 17, right.) 

Uses. Galliopsis is an excellent flower for massing in an annual 
border. The flowers are useful for cutting because of the long stems. 
The dwarf, bushy varieties are good edging plants. Many varieties of 
C. tinctoria are slender in growth and may be set out among the lower 
growing annuals. The intensely brilliant flowers borne upon their 
tall, slender stems, dance in the breeze as though not supported at all. 

Culture. Generally the seed of Galliopsis is sown where the 
plants are to bloom and the seedlings thinned to stand 8 inches to 
12 inches apart. They prefer a sunny spot. The plants often self 
sow. Glip ofl" the developing seed heads in order to induce the pro- 
duction of more flowers. 

Candytuft — Iberis 

The neat heads of Gandytuft bloom are always greatly admired. 
Many persons confuse this flower with Sweet Alyssum which bears 
smaller flowers in smaller clusters. The white Gandytuft is most often 
seen, but there are purple, lavender and crimson sorts. 



38 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 



The two species differ in the form of their chisters. Iberis amara 
is known as the Rocket and Hyacinth-flowered Candytuft because its 
white flowers are arranged in long clusters.. In /. umhellata, whicli 
includes the colored forms, the flower heads remain umbellate, that is. 
short and compact. Both of the forms attain VI inches to 18 inches in 
height. (See fig. 19, page 40.) 

Uses. Both forms provide superb edging plants for the garden. 
They bloom profusely and the fragrance of some of the sorts commends 
them as cut flowers. 

Culture. Sow the seed where it is to grow as early as possible 
in the Spring, or even in the Fall. Thin the plants to C or 8 inches 
apart. Fall-sown seed blooms in June; Spring-sown seed in July and 
August. Sowing seed successively over several weeks will insure 
flowers throughout the Summer. 

Castor Bean — Ricinus 

Were these words meant for boys and girls only we fear they would 
never be read, because of the unpleasant memories associated with this 
plant. In the garden, however. Castor Bean plants are interesting 




Fig. 18. — The showy Castor Bean plant — think of its being the product of a single 
seed! — fills more space than any other annual. 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 39 

because of their tall growth and ample leaves which are in the different 
varieties, purplish-red and maroon. The flowers and spiny fruits are 
not very showy. The plants range in height from 3 feet to 12 feet. 

Use. The Castor Bean is rather tropical in appearance and is 
useful for the center of large beds, for the background of borders and 
in dense masses to screen unsightly buildings and fences. 

Castor oil is obtained from the large seeds, which also contain an 
active poison. Children should be cautioned against biting into them. 

Culture. When starting them indoors the best method is to 
place several seeds in a small pot. When the seedlings have attained 
sufficient size, all but one should be pulled out. The seeds may also 
be sown in the open ground in which case they must be thinned to 
stand several feet apart. To make them grow tall give them an abun- 
dance of water and a mulch of manure. 



Celosia — Cockscomb 

Whoever has grown a few of the various Celosias has surely been 
charmed either by their beauty or their fantasy of form. Celosias are 
sometimes confused with AmaranthuvS, .which, however, is coarser and 
of which the colors are not so clear. 

The Sorts to Grow. Cockscomb (C. cristata). This species 
has huge, laterally flattened heads which in many cases really suggest 
the comb of a giant chanticleer. The colors range from crimson to 
golden yellow. Some plants often grow 2 feet tall while others are only 
8 inches in height. (See fig. 19, page 40.) 

Feathered Cockscomb (C. argentea or C. plumosa). The heads 
resemble ostrich plumes of shining, silky texture. Those of some sorts 
are a clear, brilliant pink or crimson; 6thers are like feathers of pure 
gold. The plants when given space to develop will grow 2>^ feet to 
3 feet tall. 

Woolflower (C. Childsii). Of rather recent development, the 
Chinese Woolflower is somewhat like the Feathered Cockscomb except 
that the flower heads form globular crimson masses resembling balls 
of woolen yarn or silk thread. The plants start to bloom when only 
several inches tall. Then branches develop, each tipped with a flower 
often from 4 inches to 6 inches in diameter. (See fig. 19, page 40.) 

Uses. Huge masses of Celosias are showy in any annual border. 
The dwarfer sorts may be used to edge the taller Celosias or other 
annuals. The heads may be cut and kept in water for weeks. Some 
persons use them as everlasting flowers and keep them in their rooms 



40 



THE LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 




Fig. 19. — Upper left, a flower spike of the interesting Cockscomb; upper right, the lovely 
white Candytuft {Iberis amara) loiver lejt, I. umbellata, a species with flat flower heads 
in several colors; ^oiyernV;^/, Woolflower blossoms resemble shaggy balls of silk or wool. 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT . 41 

all Winter. The wavy feathers of the Plumed Cockscombs are magni- 
ficent when well grown. 

Culture. Sow the seeds either in a hotbed or window in March 
or April, or else sow in the open ground in May. Good soil should be 
used in planting Celosias for, unlike Amaranths, they respond to 
feeding. Farmers' Bulletin No. 1171 notes that transplanting into 
rich soil as the combs begin to form, makes the flower heads larger. 
The plants of the larger growing Feathered Cockscombs should stand 
at least 2 feet apart. 

Centaurea — Corn Flower and Sweet Sultan 

There are many kinds of Centaureas, both annuals and perennials, 
and not one but is either beautiful or interesting, or both. 

Uses. First of all the Centaureas are attractive in the garden 
where their strong, upright growth and clean, lovely flowers attract us. 
As cut flowers they are lasting and lend themselves to vase arrange- 
ments. Sweet Sultans, when cut in bud, last for ten days. Corn 
Flowers are often sent as cut flowers from California to florists in the 
Eastern States. Rlue Cornflowers are especially attractive when 
planted with the Golden Wave Calliopsis (page 3G). 

Species. Corn Flower. Rachelor's Rutton. Rlue Rottle. 
Ragged Sailor. Rluet. This variously named plant is Centaurea 
cyanea. Its flowers are blue, purple, rose and white. The double 
form was introduced some 15 years ago and is the best sort to grow 
because the flowers are larger, fuller and more symmetrical. The plants 
are about 2 feet tall. Sow seeds in early Spring or even in late Fall. 
Allow 6 inches to 8 inches between plants; remember this and do not 
let the plants crowd each other. They flower in eight weeks from the 
sowing of the seed and the plants frequently self sow. 

Sweet Sultan (C moschata and C. imperialis) . Many of the Sweet 
Sultans have a delicate fragrance. They are white, pink, yellow, 
lavender, purple and frequently have white or yellow centers. The 
outer florets are funnel-shaped and beautifully fringed. The flowers 
measure 3 inches or 4 inches across and are borne on strong stems. 
Some garden lovers whose soil lacks lime have not had the success 
they have wished for. The seedlings, although they stand transplant- 
ing nicely when small, are difficult to move later, unless lifted with a 
ball of soil. It is well to sow directly where they are to grow and thin 
them to stand 8 inches to 12 inches apart. (See fig. 20, next page.) 

Rasket Flower (C. americana). Although many of the Centaureas 
are large-flowering, the Rasket Flowers are the giants among the 



42 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 




Fig. 20. — Left, Sweet Sultans (the larger flowers) and Corn Flowers or Bachelor's 
Buttons; rig fit, the Basket Flower, one of the true garden aristocrats. 

annual forms. The flowers are thistle-like, 4 inches in diameter, and 
rosy-lavender, and the plants grow 3 feet tall. Seed is sown in the 
border and the plants are thinned to 12 inches. The plants prefer 
cool conditions and often suffer in the hottest Summers. 



China Aster 

As the annual Asters differ from our wild Asters and were intro- 
duced from China, they should properly be known as China Asters. 
From a violet, Daisy-like flower with a yellow center, the China Aster 
has been bred to assume a multitude of forms and colors. Previous to 
1890, the China Aster was not considered a cut flower, but was grown 
only for garden decoration. A few years later, with the production of 
the early sort. Queen of the Market, and the Comet and the Branching 
Asters, this flower began to exhibit its rapid development, its long 
stems, and its large flowers. 

The principal types of China Aster popular for the garden fall 
into two groups: The flat rayed or "petal" Asters and the tubular or 
quilled Asters. Of these, the Tall Branching Asters, the Crego (an 
improved Comet), and the Ray are the most popular for cut flowers, 
but all the other groups — dwarf and tall — are interesting for the gar- 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 



43 



den. Notice figure 21, below, which ilkistrates some of the distinct 
types. Seed catalogs list most of them in their various colors. 

Gut Flowers. As a cut flower the Ghina Aster is highly popular 
and generally admired for its colors — rose-pink, white, violet, purple, 
red, light pink and lavender. It has splendid keeping qualities, but 
vases used for it should be thoroughly cleaned afterward because of 
the odor which is usually generated by Aster stems kept for a long time 
in water. It is well to remove all leaves from the part of the stem 
that will stand under water. A few drops of formaldehyde will keep 
the water from becoming foul. The stems are long and in most cases 
strong enough to hold the heavy flowers erect. The flowers stand 
rough usage too, a quality greatly desired in blooms used commer- 
cially. It is not difficult to raise Asters providing the soil is not in- 
fested with diseases. 

Sowing. To have Asters in bloom reasonably early the seed 
should be sown in a sunny window or coldframe (see page 26) in March. 
As before mentioned, Asters are often troubled with diseases, therefore, 
extra care is necessary in raising the seedlings. The late Geo. Arnold, 
originator of the branching type of Aster, was unusually successful 
with Asters of all kinds. Regarding the sowing of seeds, he writes that 
it is best to use a shallow box or flat. "Aster seedlings will grow in ordi- 
nary garden soil to a size large enough to transplant; but it is well 



i?3S%i> 





CROWN OR COCKADE 



COM ET<»CR EGO 





BRANCHING AND VICTORIA 



RAY OR MNa 



Fig. 21. 



-Typesof China Asters. While all seed catalogs do not include allof them, 
they are well worth knowing and growing. 



44 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 




Fig. 22. — China Asters effectively placed along a garden walk. Note, also, the 
Japanese Clematis trained to form an arch. 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 45 

to add one-fourth well-rotted manure and enough sand to prevent 
the soil from becoming hard. Fill the flat half or two-thirds full, 
water thoroughly, and finish fiUing with soil just moist enough to 
handle nicely. The wet soil in the bottom will furnish enough mois- 
ture so that the boxes will not have to be sprinkled until after the seed- 
lings are up. Sow the seed in rows 2 inches apart, cover with fine 
sand and press firmly." Note the advice to water before sowing the 
seed and to cover the seed with sand. Other suggestions as to seed 
sowing are found on pages 16 to 18. 

Young Plants. The seeds will germinate in a little over a week 
and the seedlings should be kept in full light, so that they may be sturdy 
rather than tall and leggy. When they need water give it, but do not 
sprinkle the plants each day as this encourages the destructive damping- 
ofl" fungus. As soon as several true leaves have grown, the seedlings 
should be transplanted to other boxes. Use rich soil in the bottom of 
the flats and ordinary soil above as further protection against disease. 
Set the seedlings 2 to 3 inches apart. Crowding, too much water, or 
drought will check the plants, and nothing lessens the future blooming 
quality of the plants as much as a check. If the young plants are 
given a little cool air each day, or if a coldframe is available so that 
they may be gradually hardened off", they will stand some frost when 
finally set out into the garden. 

The Plants in the Garden. The best soil for Asters is a sandy 
loam, but a heavy soil will also produce good flowers. If the spot 
where they are planted has been manured the previous year, it is better 
than to apply manure just before setting out the plants. 

Set the plants at least a foot apart. Keep them cultivated and 
well watered. The feeding roots are usually near the surface of the 
soil so that cultivation should be shallow. A little shade is beneficial 
for their best growth. 

Late Asters. Seed is sown in the open ground in April or May 
for late bloom. Choose the early varieties for early flowers and late 
varieties for this later sowing. If the plants are transplanted in hot 
weather it will be advantageous to "puddle" the roots. (See page 20). 

Insect Enemies. Tarnished plant bug. The tarnished plant 
bug is so small that it would hardly seem able to do much damage, but 
it is the most serious Aster pest during the hot, dry weather. It punc- 
tures the growing tips of the plants so the growth is deformed and 
dwarfed. A tobacco spray and the dusting of the plants with air-slaked 
lime or tobacco dust is often moderately eff'ective in keeping the bugs 
in check, but as they are rapid fliers they are seldom killed or com- 



46 A LITTLE BOOK OF .ANNUALS 

pletely controlled. Mr. Arnold tells us that the bugs do not work in 
the shade so that sometimes the plants are not troubled when grown 
under trees or cheesecloth screens. 

Cutworms, grasshoppers, and blister beetles often do much damage. 
The former cuts the plant off at the surface of the soil. The two latter 
eat the flowers and foliage. Spraying with arsenate of lead will help to 
control them, as will also a poison bait. The most efl'ective means of 
controlling the blister beetle is to jar the insects into, a pan of kerosene. 
They drop quickly as soon as they are touched or disturbed. 

Root lice. Some sickly Asters are not diseased but are affected 
with root lice which sap the strength of the plants, but which may 
sometimes be controlled by tobacco stems placed around the plants. 
It is not safe to plant Asters two successive years upon soil infested 
with these pests. 

Diseases. Yellows. The peculiar yellowing of Aster plants is 
often due to faulty culture rather than to disease or improper moisture 
conditions in the soil. No means of control can be suggested except to 
keep the plants growing vigorously by cultivation. So far as the Mas- 
sachusetts Agricultural College could fmd out neither insects, disease, 
variety, transplanting nor weather is the cause. 

Stem-rot. If the season has been a wet one the stems of Asters 
almost in the blooming stage often become black just at the surface 
of the soil. Gardens once infected often become so bad that it is best 
not to attempt to grow Asters in them for several years. The spores are 
carried over from year to year. The scattering of wood ashes about 
the plants and the fumigating of the seed with a one per cent solution 
of formaldehyde have been reported as effective, but other gardeners 
have found no satisfactory means of control. 

Bust. Orange-colored masses of rust often appear on the under 
side of the leaves of plants which may thereby be either checked or 
stimulated into too active growth. Rusted plants of any sort are 
rarely curable; they must be pulled and burned. Spraying the young 
plants with Bordeaux mixture will prevent their infection. Note 
that the disease appears on the under side of the leaves; it is here 
only that spraying will be effective. 

Summary of Important Points. 

1. Careful culture from seed sowing prevents damping off. 

2. Checking growth causes poor flowers and rust. 

S. Shading plants prevents injury from the tarnished plant bug. 
4'. If plants are badly diseased, burn them and stop growing 
Asters for a few years. 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 



47 



Chrysanthemum, Annual 

The Annual Chrysanthemums are popular in England, but not 
well-known here although they grow nicely in the United States. They 
are variously known as "Painted Daisies" and "French Marguerites." 
The most popular sorts are Chrysanthemum coronarium and C. carinatum 
(tricolor). The former grows 3 feet tall and is typically yellow, either 
single or double. The latter grows but 2 feet tall and is usually white 
with characteristic rings of purple and yellow at the center. In both 
sorts the leaves are rather thicker than those of most other annuals. 

Use. These plants provide in the garden large masses of bloom 
which are interesting as cut flowers. 

Culture. The seed may be started as early as March in a hot- 
bed or else sown directly in the open in April. Give the plants well- 
enriched soil and allow at least a foot between plants. To make them 
branch profusely they should be pinched. 




Fig. 23. — Left, Clarkia elegans, a flower of real beauty from the West; right, whether 

for a garden effect, or for use in a vase, the Annual Chrysanthemums deserve 

more appreciation. 



48 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 

Clarkia 

This is a native of our western states and was first found by mem- 
bers of the Lewis-Clark Expedition. It was consequently named for 
Captain Clark. Two species are commonly cataloged : Clarkia elegans 
and C. pulchella. In the latter species the petals are three-lobed at 
the tips. The flowers are single and double and range from deep rose 
through lilac and light pink to white. The plants rarely grow over 
!2 feet tall, but bloom from July to October. (See fig. 23, page 47.) 

Uses. Clarkias are excellent for the annual border and for hang- 
ing baskets. Cut just before they bloom, the flowers open nicely in 
water. Helen R. Albee in ''Hardy Plants for Cottage Gardens,'' ac- 
curately describes the appearance of the double varieties when she 
writes that they resemble sprays of Flowering Almond. 

Culture. As Clarkias are hardy, sow the seeds out of doors early 
in the Spring. They thrive best on the sandier soils in either fuU sun 
or partial shade. Allow 7 inches to 9 inches between plants. Some 
advise sowing in August and September and protecting the plants with 
leaves over Winter. 



Cleome — Giant Spider Flower 

Cleome pungens {spinosa or gigantea), grows 3 to 4 feet tall and 
is a most interesting garden subject. The four-petalled flowers are 
pinkish-lavender and white and are given a pecuhar, airy appearance by 
the long-stemmed stamens and pistils which protrude from the flowers 
for several inches. The plants have a pecuhar odor, hence the name 
pungens. Fig. 24 ehows a flower spike and the nature of the flowers, 
seed pods and leaves. The stems are more crowded with flowers than 
shown in the sketch. 

Use. Although rather coarse, Cleomes are useful for planting in 
beds as substitutes for shrubs or where other bold masses of ornamentals 
have failed. In a small garden two or three plants would be sufficient. 
The color is apt to clash w ith the clear pink of some other sorts, where- 
fore it is often best to grow the white variety. 

Culture. Sow the seed in the open ground (preferably sandy 
soil) when it becomes warm in the Spring. Give each plant at least 
two feet in which to develop. If the plants show an inclination to fall 
over they should be staked. 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 



49 



Cosmos 

The Cosmos is not as impatient about coming into bloom as most 
annuals, but waits until it has made its growth before expending its 
energy in flower production. There is no other tall annual so graceful 
or so useful as the Cosmos. Ordinary Cosmos as well as some of the 
liner varieties is so late that in some sections the frost kills the plants 
just when the first few flowers have opened. There are, however, sorts 
cataloged as Extra Early Cosmos, which, though not as tall as the 
other sorts, bloom in July and August rather than in October. 

In recent years the Double or Crested Cosmos has been intro- 
duced. In this the flowers are frequently entirely double or else the 
disk-florets become tufted or crested. There are good varieties in each 
of -the three colors — white, pink, and crimson. The plants bloom late, 
and many may not produce double flowers, for as yet, the type 
is not fixed. Nevertheless, we are pleased with the few we do get. 
The leaves of these sorts are less finely divided and may be distinguished 
even in the seedling stage. 

Forms of C. sulphureus are sometimes listed in catalogs. This is 
a yellow sort and would be more cultivated did it bloom earlier. It is 
suggested that this type be started e.arly and planted in boxes so that 
the roots are confined. 




Fig. 24.— Left, how to tie tall plants to stakes. Note that the cord is tied to the 

stake first so that it cannot slip down and so it need not be pulled tight enough 

to choke the stem; center, Giant Spider Flower, a unique subject for use at the 

back for a mass; right. Cosmos, showing both the single and the crested types. 



50 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 

Uses. Cosmos serves our need for a tall, beautiful annual to 
supply us with flowers for our homes. The stems are long and the 
flowers keep in water from five to seven days. No garden should be 
without at least a few plants. 

Culture. The late sorts, and especially the Double and Crested 
varieties, should be sown in a hotbed or sunny window in March. In 
the sections where Cosmos self sows there is little difliculty in getting 
blooms. Planting Cosmos in boxes will hasten its blooming season. 

Some sections of the country report that mildew attacks Cosmos. 
Should this be troublesome the plants may be dusted with sulphur 
which will not discolor the foliage as would the equally effective Bor- 
deaux mixture. 

Often it is well to stake the tall plants because the brittle branches 
break off easily. Furthermore, plants in need of staking bear many of 
their flowers on crooked stems. (See fig. 24, page 49.) 

Datura — Trumpet Flower 

These large-flowered annuals are related to the common Jimson 
weed. Their flowers are trumpet-shaped, white, purple, or yellow in 
color, and sometimes six inches long. Datura fastuosa (Cornucopia) 
is the common white species. The flowers are often much doubled, 
in which case they are mere monstrosities. The outside of the petals 
is frequently washed with an objectionable purple color. The yellow 
sorts, are no doubt, forms of D. chlorantha, a tender perennial. Both 
of the above species are delightfully fragrant. The plants grow two 
to three feet tall and spread out equaUy wide. (See fig. 26, page 52.) 

Culture. Sow the seeds indoors or in the border. Allow each 
plant 13^ feet on all sides. 

Didiscus or Trachymene — Blue Lace Flower 

Several years ago the Blue Lace Flower was brought back to light 
after many years of neglect. It is still a novelty, however, and does 
not always succeed as well as the old standbys. The flower heads are 
made up of small, azure flowers produced in umbels like those of the 
Wild Carrot. The stems are somewhat hairy and grow two feet tall. 
The plants flower during July and August. (See fig. 25.) 

Uses. This flower is better for cutting than for garden ornament, 
as the plants are not particularly showy. Arranged in a vase with small 
foliage, the blooms display their charms to advantage. 

Culture. Sow the seed in pots or flats indoors or in a hotbed 
in March. Give each plant a foot of space in the garden. 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 51 

Dimorphotheca — African Orange Daisy 

This name is indeed a poor one, but the flower is interesting. The 
blossoms are, as indicated, orange Daisies but in some forms the colors 
are very light, grading through salmon to white. The flowers are about 
two and one-half inches in diameter and have a darker band of color 
about the central disk from which the ray florets curve upward. The 
plants are rather dwarf, growing but 12 to 15 inches high. (See fig. 26.) 

Use. The flowers may be cut for use in bowls, but close in the 
evening. In the garden each plant is a mat of color all season. 

Culture. These plants like sunshine, and as they bloom when 
quite young there is little advantage in starting them before they can 
be sown out in the open border. Thin the plants to stand a foot to 
18 inches apart. 

Emilia — Tassel Flower or Flora's Paint Brush 

This brilliant orange-scarlet flowered annual is worthy of a place 
in any garden. It is not large, but the dash of orange color it provides 
is noticeable. It is often admired for combining in bouquets. The 
flowers are actually like tassels borne on long stems. The common sort 
usuafly grown is cataloged as both Emilia flam- 
mea and Cacalia coccinea. The plants 'grow 
18 inches tall. (See fig. 26, page 52.) 





Fig. 25. — Left, Blue Lace Flower has been much spoken of in recent years; center, 

Four o'clock, a successful free bloomer with all who grow it; ngf/i^, Gaillardiasj the 

upper flower being of the Lorenziana type and the lower one G. amblyodon. 



52 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 




Figr. 26. — Upper left. Datura, a monstrosity, but admired by some; the single sorts 

have greater beauty; upper rifjht, the brilliant, tassel-like flowers of Flora's Paint 

Brush are worth cultivating; loiver left, showing the charm of the African Orange 

Daisy; lower right, California Poppies are a delight for hot, dry places 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 53 

Culture. This is simple. Sow the seeds in the border early in 
the Spring and thin the plants so that they stand four inches apart. 



Eschscholtzia— California Poppy 

The silky, golden- yellow blossoms of this, the State flower of Cali- 
fornia, are borne in profusion. Gardeners have greatly improved the 
plant until now we have both singles and doubles in a great, range of 
colors — creamy-white, carmine, deep pink, orange, lemon and coral- 
pink. Some forms have delicately fluted petals. The California 
Poppy spreads over the ground, but also grows about a foot tall. The 
leaves are greyish-green, and add much to the simple beauty of these 
flowers which appear profusely from June until frost. (See fig. 26.) 

Uses. These flowers can well be planted in masses in beds or in 
a border; as the various colors harmonize nicely, the varieties may be 
mixed. If the buds are cut before they are quite open, the flowers may 
be used in the home to advantage. In the garden the golden and 
lemon varieties combine nicely with such blue materials as the Bache- 
lor's Button and the Larkspur. 

Culture. Sow the seed in the Fall, or as early in the Spring as 
the soil can be worked. Thin the plants to stand eight inches apart. 
Do not attempt to transplant, as the Poppy does not move readily. 
The old plants will self sow if protected in the Fall. 



Euphorbia — Spurge 

This is an interesting genus of plants which give ofl* a milky juice 
when any part is bruised or broken. The upper leaves are in many cases 
showy, while the flowers are inconspicuous. It is to this group of plants 
that the popular Christmas Poinsettia belongs. 

Species. The Mexican Fire Plant, Painted Leaf, Annual Poin- 
settia, or Fire-on-the- Mountain. (Euphorbia heterophylla) . This plant 
has deep green foliage until the middle of Summer when the top leaves 
turn scarlet either all over or merely at the base. When the plants 
are growing well, they become much branched and exceedingly hand- 
some. They attain a height of two or three feet. 

Snow-on-the- Mountain. Variegated Spurge. (E. marginata or 
variegata). This species is wild in the United States from the Dakotas 
to Texas and eastward. The leaves are oval, the upper ones being 
margined with white. The flowers are less showy than the leaves. The 
plants grow two to three feet high. 



54 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 

Uses. Both the Mexican Fire Plant and the Snow-on-the-Moun- 
tain are useful in a border of annuals. Their oddly colored leaves are 
sure to attract attention. The latter mentioned sort branches at the 
height of about a foot and a half, so that when it should be most showy, 
it is often bare at the base. However, any other annual growing about 
two feet tall may be planted in front in order to hide the bare stems. 
We might suggest for this French Marigolds. 

Culture. Both species prefer heat and full sunshine, but they 
will grow in rather poor soil. Sow the seeds of the Mexican Fire Plant 
when danger from frost is passed. It is best to sow three or four seeds 
in a place, and when the seedlings appear, to pull up all but one, as 
the plants need a space of 18 inches to develop in. The Snow-on-the- 
Mountain is perfectly hardy, and the seeds may be sown very early 
in Spring. In some localities it behaves as a perennial and sprouts up 
each Spring. It also self sows readily. 

Four o'clock or Marvel of Peru — Mirabilis 

The Four o' Clocks are well known and were favorites with our 
grandmothers, just as they are admired by us today. The flowers 
remain closed until late afternoon, hence the name Four o' Clock. They 
are white, crimson, violet, yellow and striped. The plants are two feet 
tall, and during a season produce hundreds of blooms, starting in late 
Summer and continuing until cut down by frost. (See fig. 25, page 51.) 

Uses. Four o' Clocks are useful for temporary hedges between the 
flower and vegetable gardens. A few plants will fill the bare spaces 
found, in so many cases, between the house foundations and the walk 
leading to the backyard. In beds by themselves they are also at- 
tractive. 

Culture. The plants often self sow. Otherwise sow the seeds 
thinly in the row where they are to grow as soon as danger from frost 
is passed, or else start them earlier in a sunny window or hotbed, and 
plant out when the trees are in leaf, setting them one to two feet apart. 
The plants produce rather tuberous roots which may be dug and 
stored over Winter. 

Gaillardia — Blanket Flower 

The bright, sunset colors of the Blanket Flower are an asset in 
any garden. There are annual and perennial Gaillardias, and the 
various species have been blended to such a degree that it is difficult 
to say just which are which. Generally the perennials are yellow and 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 55 

the annuals red, with tubular florets, but the various colors and forms 
grade into one another. (See fig. 25, page 51.) 

The plants grow one and one-half feet tall, and bloom from 
early Summer till late Fall, producing a wealth of long-stemmed 
flowers. The two annual species from which the garden varieties are 
derived are: G. amblyodon, in which the rays are brownish-red through- 
out their length, and G. pulchella, in which the rays are yellow at the 
tips and rosy-purple at the base. G. pida and G. Lorenziana are 
varieties of the latter species. In G. Lorenziana, all or part of the 
florets are quilled. 

Use. Gaillardias are excellent for beds, borders and for use as 
cut flowers. 

Culture. Gaillardias prefer full sunlight and a porous, well- 
drained soil. The seed may be sown early in the Spring in the border 
where the plants are to grow, or started in a hotbed or sunny window. 
Thin the plants to stand at least a foot apart. 



Godetia — Satin Flower 

Closely related to the Evening Primroses, the Godetias are de- 
serving of greater attention. The flowers open wide and are of a satiny 
texture. Varieties may be had in rose and white, scarlet, dark crimson 
and pure white. Usually a deeper color is found near the center of the 
flower, as if painted upon the petals. (See fig. 27, page 5Q.) 

Two species are common: Godetia amoena, known as Farewell-to- 
Spring, grows one to two feet tall; the flowers are arranged up and 
down along the stems, and resemble in their double form those of the^^"' 
double Clarkia. G. grandiflora, the more popular species, grows only 
6 to 12 inches tall, the flowers being in a compact mass, and three 
to four inches in diameter. They bloom from June to October. 

Use. Godetias are always attractive in the garden and noticeable 
because of the interesting texture of the flowers. They may be grown 
in pots. \ 

Culture. Sowing the seeds in a frame or sunny window will 
hasten the blooming time. The plants succeed in poor soil and sandy 
spots; in fact, it is said that they produce leaves instead of flowers 
when planted in rich soil. 

They will also grow in partial shade. Let the plants stand at least 
a foot apart, for if too crowded they grow leggy, and are weakened. 
They self sow in the warmer climates. 



56 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 




Fig. 27. — Upper left, Scarlet Flax is showy and almost glistens in the sunshine; 

upper right, Godetia, with its satiny petals; lower left, spikes of the Rocket-flowered 

Larkspur; lower right, Hunnemannia, a Poppy useful for both garden and dwelling; 

center, Lavatera, one of the handsomest of the Mallows for the border. 




FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 57 

Gypsophila — Baby's Breath 

This is one of the smallest, daintiest flowers of the garden. Two 
species are commonly grown: Gypsophila elegans and G. muralis, both 
of which grow one and one-half feet tall, and bear tiny white, pink, 
and rose-colored flowers upon fine, wiry, much-branched stems. 

Uses. In the garden, Gypsophila produces c;.t 
a misty appearance wherever it is planted. These ^V^^ 
flowers can be used to good effect planted at 
frequent intervals in front of and among other 
annuals, such as Larkspur, Poppies, Lupines, etc. 
They also make a good carpet for Gladioli 
and other Summer-blooming bulbs. As cut 
flowers, they combine handsomely with Sweet 
Peas and such flowers as need a little foliage to 
set them off. In arranging flowers with Raby's 
Rreath, do not use too much or the result will J*?- 28.— Gypsophila, a 

\ ,, dainty, almost indis- 

have a fussy, too-dressed-up appearance. pensabie flower. 

Culture. The name Gypsophila means gypsum-loving, these 
plants preferring limestone soils. The flowers bloom in six weeks from 
seed sowing, and have but a short blossoming season, for after three 
weeks they produce their seed and stop flowering. Seed should there- 
fore be sown every two or three weeks for a succession of bloom. Some 
of the seed dropped by the first crop of blossoms will often flower dur- 
ing the season. Thin the plants to stand 8 to 12 inches apart. 



Hibiscus — Marshmallow 

There are shrubby, herbaceous, perennial and annual Marshmal 
lows, but in this book we shall mention only the annual sorts. H. 
trionum (africanus) grows two feet tall and its branches are inclined 
to creep over the soil. The flowers are yellow or white, with a brown 
or purple eye, one to three inches in diameter, and are called by various 
names such as Flower-of-an-Hour and Trailing Hollyhock. They open 
only in full sunlight. H. Manihot, the Sunset Hibiscus, has yellow 
flowers four inches in diameter with maroon blotches and leaves deeply 
cut into six or eight lobes. The plants grow at least four feet tafl. 

Uses. Of the two species mentioned the Sunset Hibiscus is the 
better. It is attractive in the border and resembles the perennial 
Marvel Mallows. The Flower-of-an-Hour sometimes becomes a weed 
in rich soil. 



58 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 

Culture. The seeds of H. Manihot must be sown in a sunny 
window, or hotbed early in the season else the plants will not bloom 
before frost. Sometimes, however, the plants are perennial. 

Hunnemannia— Giant Yellow Tulip Poppy or 
Bush Eschscholtzia 

Despite its long name, this plant is well worth growing. The 
bright, yellow flowers of H. fumarisefolia are like those of California 
Poppies except that they are more crinkled, and of greater substance. 
The leaves are glaucous and thick, but finely cut. The plants grow 
two feet tall and bloom in September and October. (See fig. 27, 
page 56.) 

Uses. Hunnemannias are handsome garden subjects under any 
conditions. Sown in a bed with Nigella (p. 67), they off'er a pleasing 
contrast. The flowers are good keepers when cut in the bud, lasting 
a week in the home. They are attractive combined with Baby's 
Breath. 

Culture. As with all the Poppies, Hunnemannia seedlings are 
hard to transplant except just after germinating and when taken with a 
ball of soil. It is best to sow the seed in May where the plants are to 
grow, thinning them to stand 8 to 10 inches apart. If early results 
are desired, start the plants in small pots and shift them carefully 
to larger ones when necessary. Some persons have had difiiculty 
getting the seed to grow, but germination can usually be assured by 
soaking the seed. Plants withstand drought and prefer full sunlight. 

Larkspur — Delphinium 

The Annual Delphinium is one of the best known annuals, and- 
has undergone great improvement in its colors and the fullness of its 
spikes. The colors range from white to carmine, light pink, scarlet, 
fight blue, and dark purple. (See fig. 27, page 56.) 

There are two main types. Those varieties derived from Del- 
phinium ajacis are known as Rocket- or Hyacinth-flowered because 
they produce long trusses of bloom, but few side branches. Varieties 
of D. consolida are called Candelabrum because they branch freely 
and bear a mass of bloom on many stems. The double varieties of both 
groups are refined in form, and should be more grown. Many of the 
sorts grow two feet or more in height. 

Uses. Larkspurs provide bright, cheery masses in the border 
from early in the Summer until frozen in the Fall. The clear colors 
can be more readily obtained in the annual than in the perennial sorts. 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 59 

The flowers are easy to arrange gracefully in vases, and as they keep 
well, they are most acceptable as cut flowers. 

Culture. Seed may be sown either early in Spring or in the 
Fall. The plants are perfectly hardy and often self sow. As they 
grow, thin them out to stand 8 to 12 inches apart. 

Lavatera — Annual Mallow 

The name Mallow is applied to a number of plants of various 
habits, all of which bear flowers that resemble Hollyhocks. The com- 
mon annual Lavatera is L. trimestris, with blossoms of a very bright 
shrimp pink two and one-half to three inches in diameter. The white 
flowered varieties are also attractive. The plants produce flowers 
freely from July to September, and are two and one-half feet tall. 

Uses. As border subjects they are handsome. They are also said 
to be good cut flowers. (See fig. 27, page 5Q.) 

Culture. Lavateras prefer light soil, sun and plenty of water- 
Sow the seed in May, where the plants are to grow. Later, give each 
plant two feet of space to develop in. 

Linum — Flax 

There are several annual Flaxes, including Linum grandiflorum 
var. coccineum, the Scarlet Flax, about a foot tall, with wide-open, 
glossy flowers, and L. usitatissimum, the Flax of commerce which bears 
blue flowers, and grows three feet tall. 

Uses. The Scarlet Flax is truly beautiful and forms clumps in 
the border where the glowing flowers are a delight of gracefulness. 
It is also an excellent edging plant. (See fig. 27, page 56.) 

Commercial Flax has been grown for many years and has escaped 
from the cultivated fields of many countries, and become wild. The 
species name, usitatissimum, means most useful and refers to the 
various parts which have been used. It was a source of cloth before the 
foundation of Rabylon. The Egyptian mummies are wrapped in linen 
made from fibers obtained from the stems of this species. In the early 
days of its cultivation the plants were cut and soaked in water to dis- 
solve out the gummy substance between the bark and stems. After 
drying, the stems were crushed by rollers and then beaten with broad- 
swords. The fibers were then spun into threads. The Romans used 
linen for cords and sails, but not for garments. Linseed oil is made 
from the seeds, as well as flaxseed poultices and tea, well known 
home remedies. Some persons believe that a flaxseed placed in the 
eye will help to remove other foreign substances. 



60 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 









ii 


■ 






t 






F^ 




.r^i»' ." ***^- 1 


%-^^' 


^^^. 




-lisp 


..^B^^w^ - r!i"^ jr 








../ • ' 




'• -i//^* -l'-^'^-- 


« '4^ 




. .%■ '^^ 


iPrSlBlP-?'"^ /■ '■ Z"** i- 















Fig. 29. 



-An attractive edging of the dwarf, upright type of Lobelia appropriately 
used to border a fountain. 



Culture. Seed of Scarlet Flax is perfectly hardy and may be 
sown early in the Spring. Thin the plants to stand 8 to 12 inches 
apart. A succession of bloom is attained by sowing additional seed 
several times dm-ing the Summer. 



Lobelia 

Clear blues are found among the annual Lobelias. The varieties 
of Lobelia Erinus, the common species, are of two sorts — those which 
produce compact plants four inches tall, and trailing forms, which hang 
down for two or three feet over the sides of a pot. The flowers are 
tiny, deep or pale, white and blue, and are produced in great abundance. 
The foliage of the deep blue sorts is also dark and bluish in color. 

Uses. The dwarf sorts provide one of the best blue annuals for 
edging beds of other flowers. The trailing sorts are attractive for hang- 
ing baskets, vases and window boxes. 

Culture. The Lobelia though moderately successful in most 
parts of the United States, is at its best in the cooler regions, where 
the Summers are not too hot. Sow the seed in March, or earlier, in- 
doors; it is very fine and should be carefully handled. Transplant the 
young plants when very small. In the garden the plants should stand 
six to eight inches apart. Lobelias are successfully raised from slips 
which, if taken in the Fall, will give flowering plants for the Winter 
window garden. 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 



61 



Lupines 

Lupines are attractive plants bearing 
Pea-like flowers in long, graceful spikes. There 
are annual and perennial species. The annual 
varieties are mainly derived from the following 
species: Lupinus luteus, in which the flowers are 
yellow and the stems hairy; L. hirsutus, a blue- 
flowered sort, very hairy; and L. Hartwegii, a 
two-colored species with blue and red, or blue 
and white flowers. The Lupines bloom during 
the Summer, and grow two to three feet tall. 
The leaves are seven- to nine-parted, and are 
a handsome feature of the plants. 

Uses. As a border plant the Lupine is 
quite interesting; cut, its flowers are exquisitely 
suitable for graceful bowl arrangements. 

Culture. Do not transplant Lupines. Sow them in small pots 
in April (see page 22), or in the open border in May. They bloom in 
eight weeks from seed. Let the plants stand a foot apart. Reing 
legumes they improve poor soil. Plant them in partial shade. If the 
soil is rich, they will grow three feet high, and need staking. Remove 
the fading flowers to prevent them from going to seed; this will also 
cause the other buds to open larger. 




30. — Lupine 
spikes make dainty 
cut flowers. 




Fig. 31. — Three kindsof Mari- 
golds: African (the largest); 
Mexican (the small one) ; and 
French (withmarkedpetals). 



Marigold — Tagetes 

Even the name — Mary's Gold — cap- 
tivates us, and what could be more appro- 
priate? The flowers of these old, old 
favorites are in some varieties veritably 
made of flakes of gold. How easy it is to 
be wealthy with Mary's Gold ! 

Kinds to Grow. The African Mari- 
gold {T. erecta) has large balls of petals — 
some golden and some lemon — that are 
universally admired. Stiff" and formal 
though they are, they will always be fa- 
vorites. They grow two and one-half feet 
tall. 

The French Marigold {T. patula) is 
typically golden and lemon, but its 



62 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 

flowers are often marked with crimson and maroon. They are 
smaller than in the other species, and the plants are more dwarf, 
growing only a foot tall. 

The Mexican Marigold {T. signata pumila) is a compact, bushy 
sort with finely-cut leaves and golden-yellow, star-like flowers of great 
brilliance. 

Uses. The African Marigolds are a bold addition in the back- 
ground of the border and in large beds. The French and Mexican forms 
are excellent edging plants, their shining flowers appearing to good 
advantage. All three are useful for cut flowers, because of their good 
keeping qualities and stiff stems. A favorite combination for the table 
is Marigolds and Larkspur. When most other flowering plants are 
becoming dry and brown in the Fall, the Marigolds show up in all 
their brilliance. Must we add, for the sake of truth, that the plants 
have a peculiar odor which is offensive to some persons? 

Culture. Marigolds, being perfectly hardy, can be sown in a 
warm spot very early in the Spring. They will stand transplanting 
nicely. Set all three sorts 18 inches apart, for the dwarf sorts branch 
profusely. They prefer the lighter soils and a sunny exposure, but are 
adaptable to less favorable places. 

In saving seed from our own plants it is wise to pull up such as do 
not meet our ideals, allowing only the best to set seed. 



Mesembryanthemum — Ice Plant or Fig Marigold 

The Ice Plant (M. crystallinum) is the most commonly grown repre- 
sentative of this genus. It is a curious plant with thick leaves covered 
with glistening dots, or "ice-like globules." The flowers are white 
or light rose, but not showy. The plants are trailing and seldom more 
than six inches tall. 

There are many other Fig Marigolds, of which M. pyropeum 
(cataloged as M. tricolor) is a most attractive annual. The flowers are 
crimson, pink, and white, and an inch and a half or two inches across. 
The plants are trailing and grow six inches tall. 

Uses. These plants are useful for rough spots in the garden, 
where the soil is dry and the sun is very hot. They are used for edging. 

Culture. The seeds should be sown either indoors in April, or 
in the open border when the soil is warm. They require very little 
water. 



FLOWEUING ANNUALS OF MERIT 



63 



Mignonette — Reseda 

The sweet fragrance of Mignonette, or Little Darling, is a luxury 
in any garden. "Its sweetness wins all hearts." Its Latin name 
Reseda means "to calm or appease," and refers to the fact that the 
plant was employed by the Romans in treating bruises. Some of the 
Mignonettes produce large trusses of bloom eight inches long and two 
inches in diameter, while other sorts have much smaller trusses. 
Generally, the smaller flowered sorts are more fragrant than the giant 
forms. The flowers are brownish-red or white, and individually are odd 
in form. 

Use. The fragrance of 
Mignonette suggests many uses, 
for it renders any bouquet de- 
lightful. As a cut flower, some 
varieties last fully a week in 
water. Grown in pots for the 
sunny window, the flowers are a 
constant delight. 

Culture. Sow the seed in 
the open soil and thin the plants 
to stand eight inches apart. The 
Mignonette is intolerant of being 
transplanted, and if it must be 
moved, this should only be done 
when a ball of moist soil is taken 
with the seedling. If one wishes 
to encourage long spikes and 
long stems, the plants should be 
disbudded so that only a few 
shoots are allowed to grow. It 
is often best to give the plants a 
dressing of bonemeal early in 

the season, in order that they may have plenty of plant food avail- 
able. A watering with liquid manure when in bud is beneficial. 
Sowing seeds several times during the season will prolong the bloom- 
ing period. 

The plants grow best during the cool weather of Spring and Fall, 
and it is from the Fall plants that the best blooms are obtained. On 
light soils the fragrance is said to be stronger than on heavy soils, but 
the growth is not as tall nor are the spikes as long. 




Fig. 32. — Mignonette — "its sweetness wins 
all hearts." 



64 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 




Fig. 33. — Sensitive Plant 
leaves; at the left before, 
and at the right after be- 
ing touched 



When pot-grown, ten or twelve seeds 
are sown in each pot, and the plants 
thinned so that but two or three remain. 

Mimosa — Sensitive Plant 

Sensitive Plants are grown not for 
their beauty, but for their interesting 
qualities. The many-parted, Locust-like 
leaves are sensitive; when touched the 
leaflets fold together, and finally the entire petiole droops. After a 
few hours the leaves assume their normal appearance. 

The plants are natives of dry regions where, when a drought is 
felt, the leaves fold and thereby reduce the leaf surface exposed to the 
drying effect of the air. The common sensitive plant is Mimosa 
pudica, a thorny sort, bearing fuzzy pink flowers. Either dry or cold 
conditions cause its leaves to close. 

Culture. Sow the seeds in shallow boxes and transplant in late 
May to a hot, dry place in the border. 



Mimulus — Monkey Flower 



The flowers of this interesting 
genus are curiously shaped and spot- 
ted with contrasting colors. Those 
generally seen are bright yellow, 
spotted with maroon, red or orange. 
Mimulus moschatus is theMusk Plant, 
so-called, because of its musk-scented 
leaves. It is really a trailing peren- 
nial with yellow flowers, but it can 
be grown as an annual. M . luieus, 
variously called in catalogs, tigrinus, 
cardinalis, and grandiflorus, is a large- 
flowered sort with yellow, gaudily- 
spotted blossoms. Both sorts grow 
a foot tall. 

Uses. Both Monkey Flower 
and Musk Plant are grown for their 
brilliance of color, which is attrac- 
tive, though not truly beautiful. 




Fig. 34. — The Monkey Flower, 

though bizarre.'vis well worth 

planting. 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 



65 



They are efFective planted in hanging baskets 
or in the border where the soil is moist. 

Culture. As the seed is very small, 
the plants had best be started indoors fairly 
early in the Spring. Keep the seed pans con- 
stantly moist, but not wet. Transplant the 
seedlings when quite small, in tiny clumps 
and thin them out later. Transplant to the 
open only when the soil is warm. These plants 
prefer partial shade and, as stated above, hke 
moisture. Some housewives who grow the 
Musk Plant for Winter bloom, stand the pots 
in a dish of water. 

The Monkey Flowers may be increased 
by cuttings. Take slips of the young growth 
and place several in a small pot of sandy soil. 
Shortly they will root. When they begin to 
crowd they may be repotted into larger pots. 




Fig. 35.— The dwarf 
Morning Glory in 
three colors differs 
widely from the tall 
form. 



Morning Glory, Dwarf — Convolvulus 

These plants deserve wider acquaintance. They are not strictly 
Morning Glories because the flowers are open all day in good weather. 
They also differ from the climbing sorts in that each flower is usually of 
three colors: The main part is either blue, pink, or purple; the center 
is yellow, and there is a band of white between the center and the 
expanded part. The specific part of the botanical name. Convolvulus 
tricolor (minor) refers to these three colors. The plants are usually 
only a foot tall. (Tall Morning Glories are discussed on page 109.) 

Use. The Dwarf Morning Glory is excellent for a low edging mass 
or for hanging baskets. It cannot be used in the same way as Sweet 
Alyssum, because the plants are not compact, but spread over an area 
of several feet. They are constantly in bloom and produce an excellent 
eff'ect at the base of taller plants. In wet seasons they are somewhat 
apt to damp ofl". 

Culture. Sow the seed in the border in May, or even earlier, 
and thin out the seedlings later so that they stand a foot apart. They 
are not readily transplanted. They delight in full sunshine. 



66 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 



Nemophila — Love Grove or Baby Blue Eyes 

These small, dainty plants from California, are of a spreading 
habit and the leaves are pale green, deeply cut and slightly hairy. 
In Nemophila ins ignis, the flowers are cup-shaped, blue or white, and 
often striped and mottled. The tips of the petals of A^. maculata are 
spotted with deep purple, the rest being white. Most other Nemo- 
philas found in the catalogs are varieties of these two species. The 
plants grow a foot tall and are profuse bloomers throughout the 
Summer. 

Use. These charming little annuals are excellent for edging beds, 
or for informal low groups in the border. Their long season of bloom 
commends them for wider cultivation. They are best grown in partial 
shade and in the moister soils. They are excellent pot plants for the 
greenhouse and clumps in the rockery are pleasing. 

Culture. The seed may be sown in April in the open border 
where the plants are to grow. They should be thinned to stand at 
least, six inches apart. It is said that these flowers do best in soil which 
is not very rich, and in the cooler regions of the country. 





2 


1 


11 


"^^^1 




m 









Fig. 36. 



-Ornamental Tobacco, this illustration showing Nicotiana aflfinis as it 
appears in the daytime with its flowers closed. 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 67 

Nicotiana — Ornamental Tobacco 

The evening fragrance of the flowers of this plant is most dehght- 
ful. Besides this, the flowers are attractive in form and color, which 
ranges from pure and creamy white, to deep pink, violet, crimson, and 
flesh. The shades are of the same soft tones as are found in the best 
Stocks. The flowers are borne in great profusion upon flower stems at 
least three feet tall. The leaves are usually abundant, and form a 
cluster about the base of the plants. 

Nicotiana affinis and A'^. sylveslris are white species. A^. Sander ac 
is a pink hybrid, and from these forms the many sorts available have 
been derived. The flowers of A^. sylvestris are quite drooping, have 
pointed lobes, and remain open all day, while those of A^. affinis are 
less drooping, have oblique lobes, and open at night. 

Uses. Few writers can resist advising amateur gardeners to 
plant masses of these flowers where the evening breezes will blow their 
fragrance toward a porch. They are slender in growth, and are seen 
to advantage when given a background of taller annuals. 

Culture. The seed is very tiny and should be sown carefully. 
As the seedlings make a slow growth under cold conditions, it is wise 
to start them in the hotbed or sunny window. The soil should be finely 
pulverized and well enriched in order to produce tall plants and large 
flowers. The plants often self sow. 

Nigella — Love-in-a-Mist, Devil-in-the-Bush, Lady- 

in-the-Green, Fennel Flower, Maiden-in-the- 

Green, or Jack-in-the-Bush 

The fantastic names given to Nigella — which alone tempt any- 
one to grow it — have reference to the character of the flowers and leaves. 
The single, or double, blue or white flowers are furnished with a lace 
collar of green fern-like foliage. The common species is Nigella damas- 
cena, the favorite variety being Miss Jekyll. The plants grow one and 
one-half feet tall and usually bloom constantly from early Summer 
till Fall. The flowers are followed by attractive, inflated seed pods 
an inch in diameter. Relative to the name Devil-in-a-Bush, Mr. 
Breck writes that the name is appropriate because "that evil character 
is supposed to hide himself as much as possible from public view." 

Uses. The airy grace lent by these flowers is delightful in the 
garden. For cut flowers they are also valuable, for they may be ar- 
ranged easily in low vases. The more double flowers are prefer- 
able to the singles. Planted with California Poppies, Nigella 



68 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 



provides a pleasing contrast in colors. 
Culture. Seeds may be sown in 
Autumn for these annuals are perfectly 
hardy and usually self sow. Spring- 
sown seeds bloom later and extend the 
flowering period. There is little need 
for sowing indoors, however, as the 
plants bloom when quite small. Thin 
the plants to stand 8 to 12 inches apart. 
In saving one's own seed keep only 
that from the double flowers. 



CEnothera — 
Evening Primrose 

There are many perennial and bi- 
ennial Oenotheras, but several are 
popularly grown as annuals. Most of 
these sorts are either yellow or rose- 
colored. The sorts commonly cata- 
loged are: (E. America, a Burbank 
hybrid, pure white, and four to five inches in diameter; (E. rosea or 
mexicana, a rose-colored species; and CE. Drummondii, a yellow. These 
flowers are fragrant in the evening, some of them closing during the 
day. The plants grow from one to two feet tall. 

Use. They are attractive border plants for sunny locations. 
Culture. Sow the seeds early in the Spring in the open soil. 
Let the plants stand 8 to 12 inches apart. 




Fig. 37.— The blue Nigella flow- 
ers with their lacy collars are 
always interesting. 



Pansy 

The Pansy, it would seem, is one of the most alluring of all garden 
flowers. Its Httle faces make most of us laugh when we look at them. 
The English have given the Pansy many nicknames, such as Call-me-to- 
You, Love-true, Three-faces-under-a-hood, Pink-eyed-John, Tickle- 
my-fancy. Bird's-eye, Jump-up-and-kiss-me, God-father, God-mother, 
Love-in-idleness, Kiss-me-in-the-buttery, Rob-run-the-street, and 
Heartsease. With such names, it is not strange that the French call 
it pensee, for this word means thoughts. Yet with all the Pansies' 
charms, there are some persons who do not grow them ! 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 69 

Use. Why speak of the use of Pansies ? Everyone knows their 
garden value and their interest when arranged in a low bowl for the 
table. Plant a few Browallias among the Pansies and note the charm- 
ing eiTect. Pansies are also interesting when planted in a bed of such 
bulbs, as Tuhps, Snowdrops, Crocus and Narcissi. Just as the bulbs 
finish blooming the Pansies will be at their best. (See fig. 38, page 70.) 

Culture. The best, largest, most attractively colored Pansies 
are the only ones we should grow, although seed of such sorts is a httle 
more expensive than ordinary Pansy seed. 

Late Summer sowing. When Pansy seed is sown in August, the 
plants will bloom in the early Spring. E. J. Steele, a Pansy breeder 
of wide reputation, suggests the following points about sowing seed: 

1. Have your soil perfectly clean, free of weeds and trash, and pul- 
verized to a depth of six or more inches. 

2. On the level surface spread evenly a layer of pulverized manure, 
barnyard scrapings preferred, to a depth of at least one inch. 

3. Overlay manure with one-half inch of the best soil you have, thor- 
oughly pulverized. 

4. Roll or rake down and tamp surface true and smooth. 

5. Use the hose freely and soak down the bed several inches. 

6. Sow your seed in drills or broadcast. 

7. Cover as lightly as possible with your best soil or sand. Sand is 
the better. 

8. Use a fine spray of water to moisten surface. 

9. Allowing plenty of ventilation, keep your beds moist, quite moist, 
but not soaking wet, until plants come up. 

10. Unbleached sheeting of the cheapest grade is good to retain 
moisture. As soon as the plants begin to come through freely, the sheeting 
should be removed permanently, and on the tops of the beds may be sifted 
a thin layer of barnyard scrapings. Never allow the beds to become dry. 
Any dryness after the seeds sprout is absolutely fatal. These directions 
are for sowing in the open garden, but will apply to flats or coldframes. 

Spring sowing. If Pansy seed is sown in early Spring the plants 
will bloom in the Summer. The flowers will be smaU at first, but will 
become larger as the weather gets cooler. 

A few fads about Pansy seed. Pansy seed is good for only nine 
months; old seed will not germinate properly. 

When the temperature is above 70 deg.. Pansy seed wifl not ger- 
minate. It prefers cool weather. 

There are 25,000 to 28,000 seeds in an ounce, which will sow 100 
feet of drill. 

Generally the largest flowers of the rarest colors are found upon 
plants which have grown from seed that germinates slowly. 

The better varieties are shy seed bearers and for this reason good 
Pansy seed is always expensive. 



70 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 




Ci^ : ■■■^^r^t m M.> 



Fig. 38. — Above, a glorious mass of Pansies that surely make one 

want to grow flowers like them. Below, Petunias, whose glorious 

masses appear in greater profusion and last longer than those of 

most other annuals. 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 71 

Transplaniinf/. The tiny Pansy plants should be transplanted 
when they have produced a few of their true leaves. Set them four 
inches apart in a coldframe if the seeds were sown in the Fall. Seeds 
sown in the open in Spring should be transplanted from the seed bed 
directly to the garden border. All too frequently transplanting results 
in smaller flowers. 

Protection for Winter. After the ground is thoroughly frozen, the 
Pansies should receive some protection. Note that the advice is to 
protect them after the soil has frozen, the object being to keep it frozen 
and to prevent the plants from being heaved by alternate freezing 
and thawing. The best protection is afforded by using straw and 
a hotbed sash, but many persons do not grow enough Pansies to 
make them think that they can afford the hotbed sash. As a matter of 
fact, it is not necessary, but useful. If sash is not used, cover the 
plants with some fine tree branches, and upon them throw some coarse 
garden litter or leaves. The branches will prevent rain and snow 
from packing the leaves too tightly over the plants. Water standing 
upon Pansies through the Winter will be fatal to them. 

Blooming Plants. Pansies are not hot weather plants, but if one 
removes all the flowers as fast as they fade so that seeding is pre- 
vented, they will bloom rather well in half-shaded places. They will 
not succeed at all, however, in dense shade. 

When the plants show a tendency to produce runners, and the 
branches become long, they may be cut back, whereupon the plant 
will branch out and produce another crop of bloom.. 

Pentstemon — Bearded Tongue 

Persons who are famihar with the Gloxinia-flowered Pentstemon, 
already know its beauty ; to others who are not, we would say that the 
price of a packet of seed is entirely out of proportion to the pleasure of 
bringing these flowers into bloom. The plants grow two to three feet 
tall and bear briUiant flowers much like miniature Foxgloves. The 
colors range from white to deepest crimson, with the various tints of 
pink and lavender predominating. Usually the throats are white, and 
contrast nicely with the bright petals. These sorts are cataloged as 
large-flowered hybrids, or as Pentstemon (jloxinioides. One of the best 
named strains is Sensation; the plants bear flowers almost two inches 
across. (See fig. 39, page 74.) 

Use. These handsome flowers are excellent for the border or for 
cutting. 

Culture. Pentstemons are perennials, but the plants of the 



72 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 

group described here are not always hardy, and are therefore treated 
as annuals. Sow the seed in a sunny window or hotbed in March, 
and transplant to the open soil when danger of frost is passed. Let the 
plants stand fully a foot apart. 

In favorable years, and in the milder sections of northern United 
States, they will live through the Winter, if protected by a straw mulch. 

Perilla 

Perilla is mentioned here because in years past it was a great 
favorite as a foliage plant. The leaves are dark purple and have a 
metallic luster causing the plant to resemble a Coleus. It grows about 
one and one-half feet tall. The pinkish flowers, in form like those of 
Catnip, are inconspicuous. There are forms with finely cut leaves and 
others with spotted f oh age. 

Use, Perillas are used for masses of bright foliage in the border* 
where they ofl'er a strong contrast when planted in the rear of low- 
growing white flowers, such as Sweet Alyssum, Candytuft, and white 
Stocks, or with the white-leaved Dusty Miller. They make rather 
attractive low hedges. It must be admitted that this plant is somewhat 
weedy, but it fits certain situations very nicely. 

Culture. PeriUa is usually listed as half-hardy, but in some 
sections of the United States it has run wild. Seeds sown in the open 
soil in April produce good plants that are efl'ective all Summer. The 
seed germinates slowly. Let the plants stand one and a half feet apart. 
They thrive well in poor, dry soil and require but little attention. 

Petunia 

Everyone has some room for Petunias. Few other annuals pro- 
duce so many of such large flowers. The colors have been improved to 
such an extent that there are now varieties to please us all. Recently 
nearly clear blues have been produced; the deep, rich purples and vio- 
lets are superb; the light pinks are dainty; the whites are showy; the 
striped sorts are fantastic; the giant doubles are marvels of the breed- 
er's art; the frilled sorts are popular — but why continue farther? 
The Petunias are altogether satisfactory. (See fig. 38, page 70.) 

Uses. Note that the catalogs list trailing as well as bush sorts. 
The former are incomparable for the hanging basket, garden and win- 
dow. The more compact varieties are unexcelled for beds by them- 
selves, or as wide edgings for other plantings. Steep banks which 
furnish a difficult mowing problem may be planted with Petunias. 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 73 

The writer will never forget their use in the "Garden of the Heart," in 
Central Park, New York City. The rock walls rise on several sides 
of the grarden and into the chinks of these rocks Dr. Southwick had 
sown Petunia seed; the resulting plants have continued to self 
sow there year after year. The flowers are small and the colors not 
especially good, but as a whole, the effect is worthy of admiration. 

Culture. Seeds of Petunias may be sown in the sunny window 
or hotbed in March, or in the open soil in May. The plants should 
always stand nine inches apart. As the seeds are very fine, great care 
is necessary in sowing and in resisting the temptation to allow more 
plants to grow than will develop properly. Someone has said that the 
way to get the best single Petunias is to sow the best doubles, because 
the seeds of the latter do not produce all double flowers. The slowest 
and smallest seedlings are more apt to be doubles than those that 
germinate rapidly and grow quickly. The better sorts of Petunia 
seed will frequently cost more than the ordinary and inferior strains, 
but they are worth the difference. 

Petunias prefer full sunlight, but will bloom in partial shade. They 
will thrive in rather dry soil if this is well enriched, and also upon soil 
either too rich or too poor for most annuals, if the moisture conditions 
are right. Thus one may see that the Petunia is most adaptable. 

Phacelia 

The best known sort is P. campanularia, which bears Gentian- 
blue, bell-shaped flowers with contrasting white stamens. The plants 
grow nine inches tall and are somewhat hairy. They remain in bloom 
for a long time, the flowers being produced in one-sided curving clus- 
ters. 

Uses. Phacehas are exceflent edging plants for blue effects. 

Culture. The seeds may be sown in the open ground in May. 
It wiU be well to pinch back a few of the plants while young; this wiU 
delay flower production, but result in well-formed plants. These 
plants prefer full sun and a light soil. Let them stand eight inches 
apart. 

Phlox — Texas Pride 

The brilHance and clean colors of the Annual Phlox, P. Drum- 
mondii, make it a favorite in the garden. The flowers range from white 
to pink, primrose, scarlet, crimson, rose, and lavender, some being per- 



74 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 




Fig. 39. — Left, Phlox, one of the most satisfactory of all annuals; center, the beauti- 
ful Gloxinia-flowered Pentstemon; right, Star Phlox, an interesting form because 
of its curious, pointed petals. 



fectly clear while others have dark or white eyes. An interesting form 
known as the Star, Quedlinburg, or Fringed Phlox, is worth growing, 
not so much for its beauty, as for its curious, pointed petals. The 
plants grow from G to 18 inches tall, there being both tall and dwarf 
sorts. The flowers bloom throughout the Summer. 

Uses. The annual Phlox is excellent for masses in the border, 
and for solid beds. The various colored varieties when planted in the 
borders may be so arranged as to form a veritable rainbow of color. 
As an undergrowth for the barer-stemmed annuals, a Phlox planting 
is useful, too. Those who grow Gladioli in beds often look for a 
ground cover that will bloom before the Gladioli. For this purpose 
few plants equal the annual Phlox. The clear, lovely colors are 
especially attractive cut and arranged in clear glass bowls. 

Culture. As this Phlox is a half-hardy annual it is best to sow 
the seed in boxes in a sunny window or hotbed in March in order to 
hasten its blooming. It can, however, be sown outdoors after danger 
from frost is past. Let the plants stand eight inches apart. It will be 
wise to pinch back some of them to encourage branching. Phlox pre- 
fers the lighter soils, not greatly enriched, and full sunshine. Be sure 
to cut the fading flowers promptly so as to develop more bushy plants 
and lengthen the blooming period. 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 75 

Physalis — Chinese Lantern Plant or Winter Cherry 

There are some annuals with showy fruits and among them none 
is so much admired as the Chinese Lantern Plant, which produces 
large, inflated, orange-red, lantern-like pods containing small, fleshy 
fruits much like Tomatoes. The flowers are inconspicuous, being 
borne in the axils of the leaves, and it is after the leaves have fallen 
that the fruit is most showy. The plants grow two feet high and 
form dense bushes. Two sorts are cataloged: Physalis Franchetii, 
which has large, deep red pods, and P. Alkekengi, which bears deep 
orange pods smaller than those of the former species. (See fig. 40.) 

Uses. These plants are attractive in vases, for when cut, the 
fruits retain their color all Winter. In drying these fruits upon the 
stems, place the latter in a horizontal position, allowing the lanterns 
to droop sideways ; otherwise some of the graceful appearance is lost. 
As garden subjects they are less valuable because the fruits are pro- 
duced late in the Summer, and are more or less hidden. 

Culture. These plants often prove perennial, but one had best 
sow seed each year. Started in the open ground in early Spring they 
grow nicely. They prefer warmth and sunshine and enjoy frequent 
watering. They self sow and in some places are so prolific as to be- 
come almost wild. 

Pinks — Dianthus 

Admiration for Pinks is universal. In this book the forms of the 
China Pink only will be discussed. These annual forms can be dis- 
tinguished from the perennial sorts in two ways: the flowers are with- 
out fragrance, and the leaves are broader. China Pinks are wonder- 
fully bright in color — crimson, rose, purphsh-red, salmon and lilac. 
The flowers are both single and double; the petals are toothed or some- 
times attractively fringed, and three or four inches in diameter. The 
plants grow a foot tall. (See fig. 40, next page.) 

Use. Blooming as they do from early Summer until late Fall. 
Pinks are a constant dehght both for garden display and for cutting. 

Culture. The China Pinks are reafly more than annuals and 
if protected with a little straw in Winter, will bloom the second year. 
They should be started from seed, each year, however, because they 
cannot be depended upon to live over. The old plants will bloom before 
the seedlings which should be transplanted to stand 8 to 10 inches 
apart. It is best to pinch them so as to produce branchy plants. A 
rich soil and sunshine are two of their desires. 



76 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 



Poppy — Papa ver 

Why should we extol the Poppy ? Why not ? It was the favorite 
of the old gardens; it is the same choice flower in the newest gardens 
today. Dancing upon long, wiry stems, the single blooms remind 
us of hoop-petticoats of silk. The doubles also delight us, as we watch 
them open day by day pouring forth a great mass of petalage as they 
break from their tight buds. The colors are exactly the tints most of 
us admire, and if there be any one of these colors we do not like, we 
can choose others, for most of our Poppies are sold under variety names. 

There are two distinct types of annual Poppies: the Shirley 
{Papaver Rhceas) and the Opium Poppy (P. somniferum). The stems 
of the former are slender and hairy; the flowers are single or semi- 
double and appear to be made of crinkled silk of the sheerest texture; 
the pepper-box seed capsules are small but fdled with seed. The stems 
of the Opium Poppy are smooth and thicker than those of the Shirley; 
the plants are taller; the flowers are larger, single, or completely double, 
and sometimes the petals are much fringed ; and the seed capsules are 
large. Peony-flowered, Carnation-flowered and Tulip-flowered are 
some of the names applied to the various varieties of the Opium Poppy. 
The Ranunculus-flowered sorts are double varieties of the Shirley type. 

Uses. Of course. Poppies are excellent in beds by themselves, or 
sown in the border, where some other flower has failed. Poppies are 




Fig. 40. — Left, the handsome, tall-growing Opium Poppy; rr?!/rr, Physalis seed pods 

are especially valuable for use in Winter vases; riyfit. Double China Pinks, which 

frequently bloom for two successive years. 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 



77 



like good friends in the garden: they are not 
mere callers, nor guests who disappoint us. 

Some persons believe that Poppies are not 
good cut flowers. Even a poet has written, 

"For pleasures are like Poppies spread; 
You pluck the flower, its bloom is shed." 

Rut the poet did not know that if he had 
plucked the Poppy in bud just before it had shed 
its green calyx, it would have lasted well in 
water. Poppies are exquisite cut flowers when 
cut properly. 

Culture. Poppies are extremely hardy 
annuals so that the seed may be sown in the 
Fall, in the Winter upon the snow, in the early 
Spring, or in the Summer to extend the season 
of bloom. However, the seeds germinate best 
in cool soil. 

As Poppy seed is very fine, it must be sown 
thinly. This is best accomplished by mixing 
sand with it. After sowing, it is best not to 
place soil over the seeds, but to cover the bed with a cloth or with grass 
clippings. The covering may be removed as soon as the seed has 
germinated, but until then it shades the seed and keeps it from drying 
out. 

Thin the plants to stand six to eight inches apart. The seedhngs 
do not transplant readily. Poppies will bloom for a short time only if 
the seed pods are allowed to develop. 




Fig. 41. — -The grace- 
ful, silky petalled 
Shirley Poppies are 
old, old favorites. 



Portulaca — Rose Moss, Sun Plant or Seven Sisters 

When one visits an old lady's flower garden, no matter how small 
it may be, Portulacas are generally seen encroaching on the sidewalks 
and in other little out-of-the-way places where the dry conditions 
would support few other plants. The dazzling, glossy petalled flow- 
ers are clear yellow, white, scarlet, crimson, orange, and rose. The 
double sorts are most charming, and in many ways are superior to 
the singles. The plants are of a creeping habit, the leaves being moss- 
like and almost hidden by the flowers. The seeds, which resemble 
iron fllings, are produced in a small, box-like capsule; when ripe the 
lid falls off and reveals them. (See fig. 42, next page.) 



78 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 




Fig. 42. — Left, the velvety, Petunia-like flowers of Salpiglossis are charttiing; center, 
the dazzling, glossy flowers of Portulaca are at home in even the sunniest and 
driest places; right, the lovely colors and strong, erect stems of Scabiosa com- 
mend it for vase arrangements. 



Uses. About each home there are spots so dry that nothing 
seems to grow in them. It is in such dry, sun-beaten situations that 
Portulaca thrives to the best advantage. It is, therefore, a good 
ground cover for beds, for edgings and for rock work. When planted 
in urns and other receptacles which are apt to be neglected in the 
Summer, these flowers seem to go right on blooming in spite of our 
inattention. 

Culture. Seeds may be sown at the end of April and the seedlings 
thinned to stand four inches apart. The seed should be merely raked 
into the soil and not deeply covered. If given water and a httle 
attention at the start the plants will thrive nicely. 

Only a small proportion of the double sorts come true to seed in 
double form. These sorts also set seed but sparsely. 



Salpiglossis — Painted Tongue 

Were an artist to look upon a Petunia and wish that it had a 
delicate pattern traced upon its petals, he would create in his mind 
the Salpiglossis. The funnel-shaped flowers are borne upright upon 
slender but strong branches two feet tall. The flowers are crimson 
and gold, yellow and white, darkest maroon, scarlet and gold, violet 
and gold, and of many intermediate colors; they are velvety in texture, 
exquisitely penciled and curiously marbled. 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 79 

Uses. Unlike the Petunia, this flower may be cut and will often 
last longer in water than on the plants. As a garden subject it is 
attractive, rivalling most other annuals in its regal colors, although 
the habit of the plant is not all that might be desired. 

F. Schuyler Mathews, in "The Beautiful Flower Garden,'' writes: 
"Salpiglossis is not a prolific bloomer, but it is a dainty, retiring spirit, 
deserving a quiet corner and a few white-robed neighbors. It will not 
contribute much to color effect, but it will make up for this shortcoming 
by an aesthetic influence much to be desired in the garden where con- 
trast and variety must constitute a great proportion of what we call 
beauty." 

Culture. The seeds are extremely fine and require unusual 
care when started. It is wise to sow them indoors in March, although 
seed sown in the open soil will bloom nicely. When the warm days of 
Spring arrive and the soil is warm, the indoor-grown seedlings may be 
set out six inches apart. Little difficulty is experienced in getting the 
plants to grow after the seed has once germinated. Pinching out the 
centers of the young plants will cause them to branch. Sandy soils 
are best suited to Salpiglossis. It grows nicely in partial shade. 

Salvia — Sage 

It is unnecessary to describe the Scarlet Sage which is now too 
much planted in some sections of the United States. There is no ques- 
tion regarding its growth or its blooming qualities, but in some cities 
its hot color is seen on so many streets that it becomes monotonous. 
Someone has said that the color may be heard before it is seen. There 
is a most interesting Rlue Sage which is unexcelled for the depth of 
its ultramarine blue shade. This is Salvia patens, and although it does 
not bloom as profusely as the Scarlet Sage {S. splendens) yet it is of an 
unusual color and worthy of culture. 

Uses. Were we to cast our prejudices aside we would have to 
admit that the Scarlet Sage is one of the most popular of red-flowering 
annuals. When it is planted in long rows, the effect is dazzling. And 
to those who would plant the Blue Sage we would say that they must 
not be disappointed when the plants bloom, for they produce fewer 
flowers than the Scarlet Sage; however, the color is marvelously deep. 

Culture. Sow the seed of Scarlet Sage very soon after the 
first of March in a hotbed or sunny window. After transplanting the 
seedlings into separate pots or flats, keep them indoors until May 
when danger of frost is passed, after which set them in the border 



80 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 

12 to 18 inches apart. The Bhie Sage may be treated the same way, 
the plants being set at least a foot apart. The roots may be dug and 
stored out of reach of frost over Winter as these plants are perennials, 
and are good for more than one season if protected. 



Sanvitalia 

Sanvitalia flowers are much like tiny Zinnias, being golden yellow 
with very dark purple centers, some of them single and others double. 
The plants grow only six inches tall, or rather they are prostrate and 
spread over the soil instead of growing upward. They start blooming 
in June and continue until frost. 

Use. They may be used as edging plants or for low masses in a 
border. They are bright and showy in the rockery. 

Culture. As the plants are hardy the seed may be sown in 
early Spring in the open and the seedlings thinned to stand eight 
inches apart. 



Scabiosa — Sweet Scabious, Pincushion FIo\^er, 
Mourning Bride or Egyptian Rose 

The long stems and tufted flowers of the annual Scabiosa (S. 
atropurpurea) are charming. The colors also are pleasing in all cases — 
white, light pink, rose, fiery scarlet, pale yellow, azure blue, and deep 
blackish-purple. The stamens are light in color and in contrast with 
the petals appear like pins stuck into the flower, hence the name Pin- 
cushion Flower. The seed heads are peculiarly bristly. The plants 
grow two to two and one-half feet tall. (See fig. 42, page 78.) 

Use. Its long stems, good keeping quality and charming colors 
combine to make this a most useful cut flower. In the garden also 
the Scabiosas are attractive and popular among bees and butterflies. 
The maroon or blackish-purple forms supply some of the deepest colors 
among all the annuals. 

Culture. The seeds may be sown indoors, but it is just as well 
to sow them in the open in May. The seedlings should be transplanted 
to stand six to eight inches apart. 

If the seed heads are picked off before they ripen, the production 
of flowers will be greatly encouraged and the plants will bloom until 
frost. 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 81 

Schizanthus — Butterfly Flower or Poor Man's 
Orchid 

The flowers of this plant are a delight to those who admire extreme 
grace, dainty markings and fantastic forms. Many flowers have been 
Compared by writers to butterflies, but it is only this one that has 
received the name of Butterfly Flower. The Butterfly Weed (As- 
clepias) and the Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) are so-cafled not because 
they resemble butterflies, but because they attract them. 

The flowers of the Schizanthus are white, pink, crimson, yellow, 
purple, lavender and rose, and are delicately spotted and blotched 
like the smaller butterflies. The blooms on a well-grown plant are 
produced in such profusion as to completely cover it. For the garden 
the dwarf er varieties should be chosen as the tall sorts grow rather 
slender and crooked. The leaves are attractive, being deeply cut and 
fern-hke. (See fig. 43, next page.) 

Use. The Schizanthus is attractive displayed in small vases in 
which the flowers appear like small orchids. In the garden, unless 
the low-growing sorts are used, the plants will require staking, be- 
cause the stems are weak and become crooked when not trained. 

Culture. Sow the seeds out of doors in late Spring when the 
soil is warm. The plants do not transplant as readily as some an- 
nuals, and it is therefore wisest to move each seedUng with a ball of 
earth. Let the plants stand a foot or eighteen inches apart and give 
them a little shade. The young plants are the better for the support 
of a stake early in their growth; it need not be strong nor over two 
feet taU. 

The plants bloom in two months from seed. Pinching them early 
in their growth will make them more bushy and less straggling, a ten- 
dency to the latter form being their fault. Spraying with water 
daily in Summer will keep them healthy. 

Snapdragon — Antirrhinum 

Few of our flowers are as fantastic in form as the Snapdragon. 
At the same time the colors attract us. There are delicate pinks, such 
as we find in a Rose, the yellows are like giant flowers of Toad-flax, 
the deep maroons seem as though made of magnificent velvet. The 
catalogs fist for our approval, many other colors. In height we find a 
great range, some growing as tall as three feet, others only eight inches. 
For most gardens those of medium height are best, since they produce 
long enough stems yet are not tall enough to demand stakes. 



82 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 




Fig. 43. — Upper Jeff, the rocket spikes of Stock are almost universal favorites; upper 
right, Sunflowers help to fill the need for tall-growing, forceful annuals; lou'er left, 
the airy gracefulness of the Schizanthus is a delight in any garden; Imver right, 
Snapdragon, a good garden flower, a splendid cut flower, a flower for all persons 

and purposes. 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 



83 



Uses. Whole masses of Snapdragons are appealing, but in- 
dividual plants have a charm which we cannot resist. As a cut flower 
the Snapdragon is very adaptable. 

Culture. Seed may be sown indoors when an early start is 
desired, but the Snapdragon blooms nicely when planted directly in 
the open soil. Transplant the seedlings to stand a foot apart. The 
plants are as well adapted to shady places as any other annuals. 

Stock or Gilliflower — Matthiola 

The delightful, and at the same time, unusual, fragrance of the 
Stock is one of its chief charms. Rut the plant is not only admired for 
this character; it is also a most estimable garden flower. The sorts 
most commonly grown are derived from Matthiola incana, the Ten- 
Weeks Stock, which species has given rise to two distinct types of 
plants— those which are very branching, perpetual blooming and 
known as "Gut-and-Come-Again" Stocks, and those which naturafly 
produce one large truss of bloom and then branch. Of these types 
some grow two feet tall, while others are more dwarf. 

Stocks may be purchased in many colors— white, rose, crimson, 
purple, light blue, dark blue, and sulphur-yellow, and the colors are 
soft, rather than brilliant. Double stocks are handsome and grow 
from the seed of certain plants which in turn produce double flowers. 




Fig. 44. — An excellent example of the successful use of Kochia, or Summer Cypress. 
Uniformity of size and shape is a valuable characteristic of the plants. 

(See next page.) 



84 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 

A large percentage of such seeds will produce doubles if good strains 
are purchased. There are early as well as late Stocks, the latter being 
the better for cut flowers and the former being especially good for the 
garden. 

Culture. Stocks enjoy a well-enriched soil, thriving best in 
cool, moist weather. It is wise to start some plants early by sowing 
the seeds in a sunny window in March and transplanting the seedlings 
when large enough, to small pots. Frequent transplanting will result 
in compact plants. The seeds for later flowers may be sown out of 
doors in May. 

In planting Stocks in the garden, allow at least a foot between the 
plants. If they are pinched, they will send up a number of excellent 
trusses of bloom. For this reason, it is suggested that some of the 
plants be pinched and others be left to develop their flowers normally. 
When the flowers are cut, this has the same effect as pinching and the 
plants tend to branch anew. 

Summer Cypress — Kochia 

This annual in habit is somewhat like an evergreen and has been 
variously called Summer Cypress, Belvidere, Mexican Fire Bush and 
Burning Bush. The plants grow quickly and make an upright, com- 
pact growth, producing numerous branches covered with fine leaves. 
There is an objectionable feature that must be mentioned. The plants, 
in the Autumn, turn a bluish-red, that combines with the colors of few 
other plants. The plants grow two to two and one-half feet high. 
K. tricophylla rather than K. scoparius is the species most commonly 
listed in catalogs; plants of the former are oval, while those of tlie latter 
are pyramidal. (See fig. 44, page 83.) 

Use. Early in the season these plants make a rapid growing 
hedge. Often one desires such an effect if it can be produced quickly. 

Culture. It is well to soak the seeds in warm water for a day 
before sowing. They may then be started indoors if the plants are 
wanted early, although outside sowing is usually practiced. Set the 
plants two feet apart thus allowing their symmetrical form to develop. 
In the government bulletin on "Growing Annual Flowering Plants," 
the statement is made that these plants grow best where an electric 
arc lamp supplies light at night. The plants often self sow. In semi- 
shady places they do not develop so as to make regular specimens. 
« 

Sunflower — Helianthus 

The Sunflower is bold, he is tall, has a lot of bluster and bravado 
about him, but he is not coarse; no, he does not intrude upon us. We 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 85 

like to have him look over our fences; we like to watch him looking 
down toward his feet to see how tall he has grown. If any flower 
deserves the name of a "Sunbm-st" it surely is the Sunflower. (See 
fig. 43, page 82.) 

Kinds. There are two sorts of annual Sunflowers. The seven- or 
eight-foot fellow is Helianthus annuus, of which there are many interest- 
ing forms; some are attractively doubled like Chrysanthemums, or 
Asters, some are dwarf, some are bafl-like, and look like golden Dahhas, 
while still others have been developed that are rich chestnut red 
either throughout or only in the center, wherein their hues resemble 
the colors found in the Blanket Flower. 

The second interesting species is known by many names, such as 
Miniature, Gut-and-Come-Again, Dwarf Branching, and Gucumber- 
leaved, but reaUy is H. debilis {H. cummer ifolius). It grows three or 
four feet tall and is bushy. The flowers, unlike those of the first species, 
are usually only three inches in diameter, and the yellow petals are 
often twisted. 

Uses. The uses for the tall, large sorts readily suggest themselves ; 
there is always space for a few of them in a garden. They make at- 
tractive hedges in the distance. They screen poultry yards and as the 
seeds drop, they are greedily eaten by the chickens. The Gut-and- 
Gome-Again sorts are suitable for cutting and are showy in the border. 

GuLTURE. The seed should be sown in the open ground when the 
trees are coming into leaf. A rich sofl suits both sorts best. The tall 
forms should stand two feet apart, and the shorter ones a little closer. 
The Gut-and-Gome-Again sorts commence to bloom in June and 
continue all Summer. ^ 



Swan River Daisy — Brachycome 

The Swan River Daisy is a tiny blue, pink, or white blossomed 
plant, the flowers being hardly more than a half inch in diameter. 
The plants grow about ten inches tafl, and are of a compact habit. 
They are useful for edgings, producing as they do a profusion of bloom 
throughout the Summer. The flowers may be cut for use in small 
vases where they combine daintily with Sweet Alyssum. 

Culture. It is wise to sow the seeds in the hotbed or a sunny 
window in April in order that the plants may bloom early. For use 
as edging plants, transplant the seedlings so that they wiU stand 
five or six inches apart. Gut off the old blooms as they pass. These 
plants succeed best in the cooler regions of the United States. 



86 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 

Sweet Peas — Lathyrus odoratus 

The Sweet Peas of our gardens delight us while they provoke us. 
We sincerely wish that they might bloom for a longer time, yet they 
are an unqualified joy when they are in flower. 

Many thoughts arise in the minds of true Sweet Pea lovers. For 
instance, Helen Milman, in "My Kalendar af Country Delights,'' 
writes: "I think the Sweet Pea is a frivolous flower and leads a butter- 
fly's life, it wanders anywhere, and clings to anything, and has not any 
definite aim or ideal." And Keats when he thinks of Sweet Peas, writes: 

"Here are Sweet Peas on tiptoe for a flight, 
With wings of gentle flush or delicate white. 
And taper fingers catching at all things 
To bind them aU about with tiny wings." 

Another poet has written this jingle: 

Peas along the border, Peas upon the lawn, 

Peas against an eastern wall to welcome in the dawn. 

Peas among the Roses, Peas behind the Pinks; 

Peas to catch the western glow when evening sunlight sinks. 

Peas upheld with Chestnut, Peas held up with Ash; 

Peas asprawl on Hazel spray, Peas on Larchen brash. 

Peas on stiff" unyielding wire, Peas tied up with string; 

Peas upon the trelliswork where Rambler Roses swing. 

Oh! Merry, merry, merry, are the gay Sweet Peas; 

Plant them when and how you will, it's certain they will please." 

Frankly, however, Sweet Peas cannot be planted "when and how 
you will," and it is to pointing the way to success in the "when and 
how" that the remainder of this chat on Sweet Peas will be devoted. 

Types of Flowers. There has been a gradual development of 
the Sweet Pea from the wild form in which the flowers were purple 
and small, to the modern race of ruflled sorts. The most popular 
today are those Hsted as Spencers, Waved and Orchid-flowering va- 
rieties. In these the flowers are large and frilled, three or four are 
borne on each stem and there is a wide range of exquisite colors. The 
older type, known as Grandiflora, includes the varieties that were seen 
before the year 1900. The early flowering varieties now listed are the 
types almost entirely grown in greenhouses today. These varieties 
bloom two weeks earlier and have the habit of flowering while rather 
smafl, after which they branch. (See fig. 46, page 90.) 

Autumn Preparation of the Soil. Sweet Peas defight in 
having their roots in cool, dee]) soil, and for this reason it is wise to 
prepare the soil in the Autumn, because in the early Spring it is hardly 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 



87 



UP TO DATE OUT Of DAIS 

KE-TMODS 
OF SOWIN-G bWEET PEAS 



■=^=<^r^^>'v>^ 






^n. 













iirell p-^ioreA soil 



moaurt 



Fig. 45. — A diagramatic comparison of the old and the new, approved 

methods of sowing Sweet Pea seed. Well-enriched, deeply prepared soil 

is essential. 

dry enough to work . Dig a trench at least two feet deep and a foot or 
more wide. Place several inches of manure in the bottom, and fill in 
with good soil so that the filled trench is rather arched at the top. 
The soil will settle somewhat and anyway, we do not want these rows 
to be below the soil level in early Spring. Furthermore, the rows 
when mounded, will dry out more quickly, and permit earher planting. 

Fall Planting. When Sweet Peas are planted in the Fall, the 
flowers are produced earlier. This method is successful south of New 
York City on most soils, but farther north it is worth while only on well 
drained, sandy land. In localities where there are few alternate 
freezes and thaws, and the snow covers the soil most of the Winter, 
this method is highly recommended. 

Dr. A. G. Real, in charge of the Sweet Pea trials at Cornell Uni- 
versity, has experimented much with Autumn sown plants and writes, 
that after preparing the trench, as just described, 

"The soil must be treaded in the trench so that it will not settle with 
the action of the Winter frosts. In fact, it is better to ridge the soil 
slightly over the trench to allow for possible settling, and for draining 
off surface water. In this ridge, there should be made a small furrow, two 
inches deep. The seeds should be sown one inch apart in this furrow, and 
covered with two inches of soil. The row should be left slightly elevated 
when the planting is finished. The important point to keep in mind about 
Fall-planting Sweet Peas in the northern states, is to plant so late that the 
plants do not make any growth above ground until Spring. If the plants 
appear above ground they are killed by the Winter. Seeds that have only 
sprouted are not harmed. In central New York it is our experience that 



88 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 

about November tenth is about the right time to sow, but, of course, this 
varies with the season. 

"After the ground freezes, a mulch of manure should be placed over the 
row, and if the snow remains all Winter, the conditions are very favorable. 
On the approach of bright, warm, sunny weather, examine the Sweet Peas, 
and, if they are found growing, remove the manure. It is a good plan to 
leave the strawy portion between the rows, or near at hand for a while, so 
that it may be placed over the plants during sudden cold spells. 

"The FaU-sown Sweet Peas begin to grow earlier than it is usually pos- 
sible to plant in Spring. They develop during the cool weather, make a 
better root system, and are stronger than plants from Spring-sown seed. 
The seeds of the standard varieties are so cheap that the Fall planting of 
Sweet Peas is well worth trying. Should the seed perish, the rows may be 
replanted in the Spring." 

Good Friday Sowing. There is an old rule which says that 
Sweet Peas should be sown on Good Friday. This means simply that 
Sweet Peas may be sown as soon as the soil thaws in the early Spring, 
because the plants grow best during the cool, moist months. 

It was formerly believed that Sweet Peas should be sown in shallow 
trenches six or eight inches deep, but it is now generally agreed that 
the row should be raked level and the seed sown only a half inch deep. 
It is best to sow thinly, meaning that only enough seed should be used 
so that the plants will stand six inches apart. Sweet Peas may also 
be sown in double rows a foot apart; this will allow space for the plants 
to develop and will at the same time produce a large quantity of bloom. 

Early Blooms from Pot Sowings. Sweet Peas may be brought 
into bloom several weeks earlier and the plants will be better developed 
if started indoors, or in a hotbed. Edwin Jenkins writes, in the Amer- 
ican Sweet Pea Society Bulletin: 

"Do not despair of raising good Sweet Peas if you are without a green- 
house, or even a coldframe; much may be accomplished by a little fore- 
thought and a httle ingenuity. A flat, 24 inches long by 12 inches broad 
takes up but two square feet of room, and may be set in a house window. 
It is easily moved from place to place, holds about 100 plants in paper pots 
(which are four inches deep) and will give the plants plenty of room until 
they can be planted out. Now, these plants are enough to plant a single 
row 100 feet in length, or a double row 50 feet long, which is as much as 
many people can handle. Further, they will bloom longer and give superior 
flowers to any that may be planted closer; in fact, good sturdy plants set 
out in fairly rich soil wiU fill the space if planted two feet apart. 

"This outdoor planting must be done as early as possible, and the 
plants protected at night from frost. A good way to protect the plants in 
the row is to nail two boards together, so as to form an inverted V, and set 
it over the plants at night until danger from hard frost is past." 

To Insure Germination. Many Sweet Pea seeds are very 
hard and germinate slowly, if at all. It has been found wise to give 
them some sort of treatment to insure orompt sprouting. Some soak 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 89 

the seeds in acid for a half hour, but the simplest method is to cut off 
a small piece of the seed coat on the side opposite the growing point. 
When such seeds are sown a half-inch deep in sand, they will germinate 
readily because they can soak up water easily. When so treated they 
germinate in a week and may then be placed in small pots to grow. 
Light colored seeds which usually produce the white and paler 
tints and the mottled seeds (usually of the lavender, blue and mauve 
sorts), are apt to decay when the soil conditions are not favorable. 
It is the red, crimson and scarlet sorts that bear the hard seeds 
which it is well to germinate before sowing. 

Supporting. As soon as the seed is sown the gardener should 
consider the matter of supporting the plants. When the seedhngs show 
a tendency to produce tendrils, they want to get hold of something 
and should not be allowed to sprawl over the soil. No matter what 
method of supporting is used, small, branchy twigs should be placed 
near the plants, and if the stems are slow in taking to the twigs tie 
some of them up. 

Tall brush is the ideal material for supporting the plants because 
of its width, and the many twigs to which the plants can fasten 
themselves. 

Wire netting may be used; it is neat and lasts for years. Some 
object to it because it is difficult to clean the tendrils from it in the 
Fall when rolling it up for the Winter. 

Stakes, eight feet long, may be driven into the row and strong 
strings stretched between them. This is an inexpensive method, but 
as the strings stretch the effect often becomes unsightly. The lower 
strings should be placed five inches, and the higher ones farther 
apart. 

A common English method and one worthy of trial in this country 
is to sow the seeds in circles several feet in diameter. Wire netting or a 
tepee effect made of stakes provides a support. The clump effect thus 
produced must be interesting. 

Fertilizers. If the soil is rich, little fertilizing is advisable, 
except a fight dose of nitrate of soda, or dried blood when the stems 
begin to get short. In the case of nitrate of soda, we strongly advise 
dissolving it in water at the rate of a tablespoonful to a gallon. 

When the soil is none too good at the start it wiU be advisable 
to give a dressing of bonemeal shortly after the plants are several 
inches tall. Scatter the bonemeal on both sides of the row so that 
the soil is white and rake it in. Some speciafists believe that soot 
dusted over the soil every ten days brightens the color of the flowers. 



90 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 




Fig. 46.— -Upper left, the Zinnia is a hearty flower that laughs at adverse conditions; 
upper right, Torenia flowers provide a striking contrast between violet and yellow; 
lower left, Verbenas are old favorites, but they win new admiration each year; loxoer 
right, a typically beautiful variety of the Orchid-flowering type of Sweet Pea; 
center, Virginian Stock may be familiar to many who do not know its name. 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 91 

Mulching. Those who wish to keep their vines blooming as 
long as possible may try mulching the rows with decayed leaves or 
straw. This keeps the soil from drying and baking. Three inches of 
material should be used, but no more. 

When a mulch is not used, the plants must be cultivated so that 
at no time shall the soil be baked at the surface. 

Watering. Sweet Peas enjoy water and will thrive when given 
large amounts. A shallow trench hoed out six inches from the rows 
will be a convenient aid in watering. 

Picking the Rlooms. Sweet Peas must be picked often and con- 
tinuously if one wishes to fully enjoy them. Neglect in this particular 
soon causes them to go out of bloom. The best gardeners cut the flowers 
rather than pull them. Ruy your Sweet Pea seed and do not try to 
save it, for it is better to have the flowers. It is well to cut some foliage 
with the flowers because this acts like a light pruning, causing the 
plants to branch. Foliage and young shoots are also useful when ar- 
ranging the flowers. 

Dr. A. C. Real writes in Reading Course Lesson 151 of the New 
York State College of Agriculture: 

"In order to have fine flowers and a long succession of bloom, it is 
infinitely more necessary to keep the seed pods rigorously picked off" than 
it is to cultivate, mulch, or water the plants. The latter operations go for 
naught unless the pods are picked off". The writer thoroughly believes 
that the importance of watering has been overemphasized and that too 
many amateurs prefer to use the hose rather than to pick pods; then they 
assert that the Sweet Pea is not what it used to be, that it has lost consti- 
tution. Of course, the more highly developed the variety, the less certain 
it is to bear up under neglect." 

(Although from some of the older varieties in the College trials, no 
seed pods were picked, they continued blooming profusely, while the 
plants of the modern, waved sorts became in most cases, completely 
destitute of flowers under this treatment.) 

"The same holds true with regard to length of stem. Some plants of 
Countess Spencer were treated as above in order to note the eff"ect, and for 
them the season was over early in August. The lesson is that if the grower 
does not intend to comply with the requirements of the improved types, it 
is better to grow the small-flowered, precocious varieties." 

Insects and Diseases. Plant lice are frequently troublesome 
on Sweet Peas. When this is the case spray the plants with a nicotine 
solution. Red spider is prevalent late in the season, and may be con- 
trolled by merely spraying with water daily. Its presence may be 
detected by a whitish appearance of the fohage and a webby covering. 



92 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 

This should not be confused with mildew, which appears as a white 
powdery growth on the foliage. As the mildew affects Sweet Peas 
only after their season of bloom is over, it is not usually serious. Mil- 
dew is controlled by dusting powdered sulphur upon the fohage. Other 
diseases affect Sweet Peas, but the methods for controlhng them are 
not understood. Diseased plants should be pulled up and burned to 
prevent spreading the spores of the trouble. 

Torenia — Wishbone Flower 

Those who have not tried this annual, nor seen it growing, have 
a pleasant surprise in store for them if they will raise a few plants. 
It is a gem. The flowers of Torenia Fournieri are violet and lavender 
with a prominent yellow blotch on the lip. There is a less attractive 
white variety. In the center, the stamens are arranged in the shape 
of a wishbone, hence the common name. The pistil in the center is 
sensitive, and when it is touched, the two lobes gradually close and hold 
any pollen which may have fallen upon them. The plants grow a foot 
tall and bloom till late frost. (See fig. 4C, page 90.) 

Use. For close inspection, by virtue of its innate charm, the 
Torenia is a flower of beauty and interest, although its garden effect 
is not as showy as that of many other annuals. 

Culture. The seed is fine and when carefully sown in late March 
in a sunny window, will give excellent plants that will bloom all Sum- 
mer. They are tender annuals so the seedlings should not be placed 
in the open border until the weather is warm. 

We were interested to read in Bailey's ''Standard Cyclopedia of 
Horticulture'' that in Florida Torenia is an excellent substitute for 
the Pansy, which is cultivated with difficulty that far south. Young 
plants spring up in the rainy season, coming from self-sown seed. It 
is found abundantly in the sort of moist situations which, in the 
North, suit Forget-me-nots. 

Verbena 

The rich colors of the Verbena have endeared it to us for years 
and years. Our mothers and their mothers grew it, and we have seen 
them use hairpins to get it to root along the stems. Most persons know 
its range of brilliant colors; the pinks are like those found in Trailing 
Arbutus; the purple is truly royal; the scarlet is like rich velvet; the 
white is as pure as snow; the blue and lavender tints are dainty; and 
besides the clear color varieties, there are sorts with white and dark 



FLOWERING ANNUALS OF MERIT 93 

eyes, and others that are striped. All the above are forms of Verbena 
hyhrida. There is another annual species of great charm knows as the 
Moss Verbena {V. erinoides). Its flowers are pm-phsh-blue or white, 
and the leaves are fern-hka. (See fig. 46, page 90.) 

The Lemon Verbena, so-called, is not really a Verbena nor an 
annual, but in California at least, is a woody, trailing plant. The 
leaves are deliciously lemon-scented. Small plants may be raised 
during the Summer and brought indoors for Winter, as they will not 
tolerate the cold. 

Use. The Verbenas are suitable flowers for ground covering, and 
make good masses in the border. As cut flowers they are attractive 
when loosely arranged in low bowls and vases. 

The Moss Verbena is especially recommended for hanging baskets 
and urns, although useful in the garden as well. 

Culture. Sow the seed in a hotbed or sunny window in March 
and the plants will begin to bloom in June. Sown outdoors when the 
trees are in leaf, the plants flower in July or August, Iseeping up a 
continuous display. Set the plants 1*2 to 18 inches apart and they will 
make a dense mat of bloom. It is well to pinch them back early in their 
growth. Keep the flowers cut so that the plants may not go to seed. 



Virginian Stock — Malcomia 

This old favorite of our grandmothers' gardens is often seen in 
places where it has self-sown for years. The common species, Malcomia 
maritima, bears four-petal) ed, lilac, red, and white flowers somewhat 
resembling those of ordinary Stock. The plants grow six to eight 
inches tall. (See lig. 40, page 90.) 

Uses. It is exceUent for the rock garden and for masses in a 
border, and may be used as an edging plant. 

Culture. The seed may be sown in the Fall in which case the 
plants will bloom early in the Spring. But Spring sowing will prolong 
the season of bloom. The common mistake in growing Virginian 
Stock is to neglect to thin the plants so that they will stand eight 
inches apart. 

. Zinnia — Youth and Old Age 

At last the Zinnia has come into its own. Because it is of easy 
culture and does well for anyone, it has in the past been admired less 
than it deserves. Recently the seed growers of California have de- 



94 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 

veloped enormous flowers of unusual shapes and with exceUent colors. 
Note that the catalogs are listing curled and crested sorts and wonderful 
new giant flowered varieties, measuring seven and eight inches across. 
In the opposite direction there are charming dwarf sorts which pro- 
duce small flowers that cover the plants. The taller sorts are three 
feet in height while the dwarf varieties are only a foot tall. 

The colors of Zinnias are soft but glowing and include rose, orange, 
crimson, scarlet, yellow, salmon and purple. The above mentioned 
forms are cataloged as varieties of Zinnia elegans; there is, however, 
another species, Z. Haageana, which is dwarf. Its flowers are com- 
monly shades of orange, but many new colors are advertised. There is 
also a type with star-like, narrow petalled flowers known as Stellata 
hybrids. This attractive dwarf form is ofl'ered in all colors. (See 
fig. 46, page 90.) 

Use. The modern Zinnias, though stifl", may be efl"ec lively ar- 
ranged for home decoration and show up most efl'ectively under artificial 
light. There are many pure colors and as these usually combine 
well, the eff'ects possible are charming. For low bowls the dwarf sorts 
are superior to the larger-flowered tall varieties. They need no added 
green to set them ofl", for the Zinnia is well furnished with foliage. 

In the garden, Zinnia eff'ects are rich, the plants are thrifty and 
the colors are decided. In bold masses for distant eff'ects few other 
annuals can rival them. The dwarfs are especially valuable as edging 
plants, their profusion of bloom and foliage serving to cover the soil 
completely. The rank foliage provides a background for lower growing 
annuals. 

Culture. Give these excellent new strains a little extra care and 
note their appreciation. Sow the seed in a sunny window in March. 
Transplant the seedlings to shallow boxes. Set the plants out in the 
open soil, when the weather is warm, placing the plants in well-enriched 
soil. One might even be kind enough to place some manure deep down 
beneath where they are to be planted. 

It is only seed of the largest flowering sorts that should be ex- 
pected to give the giant flowers. There is a diff*erence 3f opinion rela- 
tive to the distance apart to set the plants. Some persons set them 
18 inches apart, and thereby get the largest flowers; others claim that 
by planting closely, the plants produce fewer, but larger flowers. It 
is easy enough to follow both sorts of advice and see for yourself. The 
dwarf sorts are surely better when each plant is given a space of two 
feet on each side. 



ORNAMENTAL GRASSES 95 

ORNAMENTAL GRASSES 

THE appreciation of grasses as garden subjects has progressed 
but little since the following appeared in Hooper's ''Gar den Guide,'' 
in 1883: 
"The increase of refinement in horticultural taste has in recent years 
brought into prominence several classes of plants which were formerly 
neglected as matters of ornament. They lack the brilliancy of color, and 
were, therefore, not deemed worthy to be elevated from the position of 
"wayside weeds" to that of denizens of weU-kept gardens. Beauty of 
form, however, has fortimately come to be considered a feature of no mean 
value; and consequently plants which can not arrest the eye by their 
splendor, have been sought after for the gratification they give to elevated 
taste by their grace and elegance. Among these are the grasses." 

If grasses were more rare we would think them the daintiest of 
flowering plants. Plumy, waving grasses, silvery, slender grasses, tall, 
majestic grasses, dainty, trufted grasses— all of these have a real 
place in our gardens. (See fig. 47, next page.) 

Use. The grasses lend a mistiness to the flower border that is 
charming. The low sorts are excellent for bordering tall plants which 
should have their feet covered. A bed of Cannas may well be planted 
with a fringe of Fountain Grass around its margin. The beauty of 
some of the gaudier colored flowers is enhanced if they are surrounded 
with some of these grasses. Other grasses are useful to cut for the 
Winter bouquet, and they are attractive planted in beds by them- 
selves. 

Culture. In general, grasses are easy to grow; the blunder usu~ 
ally made is that they are not given sufficient room to develop. They 
are small at transplanting time, and it seems a waste of garden space 
to plant them a foot or more apart, but this is just what should be 
done. Each grass plant should be set out by itself except in the case 
of the tinier sorts which may be transferred in tufts. The particular 
diff'erences in culture are noted below under each of the grasses. 

Agrostis nebulosa — Cloud Grass 

This is a fine, hair-like grass, giving a hazy effect when planted in 
the border. (See fig. 47, A, page 96.) It blooms in the Summer and 
grows 18 inches tall. 

Briza — Quaking Grass 

There are two annual species of this genus: Briza maxima, which 
grows 18 inches taU, and B. minor (gracilis), which is but a foot tall. 



96 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 



^■^'^4?.--^ 




Fig. 47. — Some of the more popular ornamental 
grasses: A, Cloud Grass; B, Job's Tears; C, Quak- 
ing Grass; D, Hare's-tail Grass. 



The ornamental parts 
of this grass — ^known 
as spikelets — are flat 
and either oval or 
heart-shaped. (See 
fig. 47, c.) Even in 
the growing condition 
they appear as though 
pressed, and will re- 
tain this character- 
istic when used for 
the Winter bouquet. 
The seed may be 
sown in open soil. 
Let plants stand six 
or eight inches apart. 

Brome Grass — ^ 
Bromus brizae- 
formis 



. This has flattened, drooping spikelets somewhat resembling those 
of the Quaking Grass. (See fig. 47, c.) The height is two feet; the 
plant is often a biennial. 



Coix lachryma — Job's Tears 

This grass produces curious pearly -grey seeds that hang from 
leaf-hke sheaths. Each seed is about the size of a cherry stone and hard. 
(See fig. 47, B.) They were often used as teething beads because 
mothers used to think that babies were raised properly only when they 
had a string of these beads about their necks. Height, two to three 
feet; set plants 12 inches apart. 



Eragrostis interrupta (elegans) — Love Grass 

This is a grass closely resembling Agrostis when seen in masses. 
The spikelets are small and "dancing," and are useful for bouquets. 
Height, two feet. 



ORNAMENTAL GRASSES 97 

Hordeum jubatum — Squirrel-Tail Grass 

This is of interest because of its short, feathery heads of bloom. 
Sow in April and thin to one foot. Height, two to three feet. 

Lagurus ovatus — Hare's-Tail Grass 

Here is a short growing grass with white, downy tufts one to one 
and one-half inches long at the tips of the stems. It is useful as a low 
edging for other annuals. It is also good for bouquets. It prefers a 
sandy i^oil and grows Vl to 18 inches tall. (See fig. 47, D.) 

Pennisetum — Fountain Grass 

P. longistylum, two feet tall, has graceful, drooping, greenish- 
white plumes. P. Ruppelianum, three feet high, has purple plumes 
and graceful green foliage. P. macrophyllum atrosanguineum has 
rich, coppery bronze foliage and plumes, and grows four feet high. 
P. japonirum is the tallest sort, attaining five feet. 

Sow the seeds in frames in March, transplanting seedlings to 
small pots so the plants will not crowd. Allow 15 to 18 inches between 
plants when setting them out in May. 

Zea (Variegated) — Rainbow Corn 

A number of variations of the ordinary field corn are attractive 
materials for bold masses. In fact, they include the tallest annual 
grasses. The leaves arc striped with yellow, white, red, or pink, and 
combine attractively with such cut flowers as Red-hot Pokers (Tri- 
toma) . 

EVERLASTINGS 

"Nay, cheer up, sister, life is not quite over, even if the year has done 
with Corn and Clover, with flowers and leaves; besides, in fact, it's true 
some leaves remain and some flowers, too, for me and you." 

^Christina G. Rossetti. 

AFTER flowers have bloomed in profusion all Summer, then comes 
the frost and some are killed; a httle later comes a real freeze 
and we are without flowers in our garden. We feel the lack of 
blossoms with which to grace our tables and mantelpieces, and it is 
then that we wish that we had raised some everlasting flowers. It is 



98 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 

strange that every garden does not contain some sort of everlasting, 
especially since so few persons have greenhouses. Many delightful 
sorts may be grown. 

With real flowers — both florist's sorts and home-grown everlast- 
ings — available for the Winter bouquet it is odd that some in- 
genious women will make parody flowers from waste paper and col- 
ored cloth ; and it is shocking to find that less ingenious persons should 
buy the questionable, so-called artificial flowers. Generally the colors 
are gaudy and the structure of the flowers is no less absurd than would 
be an elephant with a tiger's head. You may have seen this sort of 
Roses colored like Zinnias, Nasturtiums with Violet leaves, Lilies of 
like oddity — but why stop to contemplate this awful perversion of 
taste ? Especially when there are the everlastings ? 

Cla.sses of Everlastings 

There are four sorts of plants used as Everlastings, namely: 
annual everlasting flowers, perennial everlasting flowers, ornamental 
grasses and the decorative seed pods of various shrubs, weeds and 
garden plants. 

Culture of Annual Everlastings. The various Everlastings 
may be given much the same treatment as other annuals. The seed 
may be sown indoors in March in order to get early plants, or the 
various sorts may be sown in the open soil when danger from frost is 
passed. 

Picking. With but few exceptions the Everlastings are cut 
before they are fully open because in many cases it is the outside in- 
volucre which is straw-like and retains its colors. Allowed to open 
fully, Hefichrysum and Acroclinium are not as attractive because the 
centers of the flowers become brown. 

Drying. Before drying these flowers the leaves should be stripped 
from the stems and the latter hung upside down. If the stems are tied 
with string some will drop from the bunches as they shrink but if a 
rubber band is used it will tighten as the stems dry. If placed in vases 
immediately the stems absorb moisture from the air and the heads 
droop, and the stems wilt and become crooked. It is, therefore, wise 
to dry the flowers quickly and store thtm in a dry place until furnace 
heat is used. 

It is, however, advisable to have some of the stems curve in order 
to add gracefulness to the vase arrangements. W. C. Egan, in the 
''Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture,'" writes of a method he has 
used to produce arching stems. "Take a long sheet of pliable card- 
board eight inches wide, tack one edge lengthwise on the top of a 



EVERLASTINGS 99 

shelf at the front, bringing it out and downward so as to form a half 
circle, and fasten it at the bottom. Then lay the freshly picked flower- 
stems on the shelf with the heads hanging down. It is sometimes 
necessary to place a weight on the stems to keep them in place." 

Acroclinium 

This is one of the smaller, daintier everlastings, growing 12 to 15 
inches tall and bearing pink or white flowers with yellow centers. The 
flowers resemble those of Helichrysum but are smaller and rather more 
bell-shaped. 

The plant is attractive in the garden and also useful as a source 
of cut flowers, which should be cut before they are fully open. It is 
properly classed as Helipterum roseum rather than Acrochnium which, 
however, is the more common name. 

Ammobium — Winged Everlasting 

This pretty little Everlasting has small white flowers with yel- 
low centers. The plants are covered with silvery hairs and stifl", 
branched, winged stems. Few catalogs list this flower but it is well 
worthy of culture. It grows best in sandy soil. 

Catananche — Cupid's Dart 

One is amused to read that his plant was used by the ancient 
Greeks as one of the principle ingredients in their love potions. It is, 
strictly speaking, a perennial and is not, perhaps, properly included 
in this little book. The flowers are blue and white and resemble those 
of Cornflower but are hardly as handsome, although they have the 
advantage of being useful as Everlastings. 

The plants grow two to three feet tall, and may be either raised 
from seed or divided. They prefer a sandy soil and should be set a 
foot and a half apart. 

Gomphrena — Globe Amaranth 

The tiny Clover-like flowers of this plant may be amaranth (true 
purple), white, or rose in color. They have frequently been called 
Bachelor's Buttons but this name is also apphed to Centaurea and the 
double Buttercup. The plants grow one to two feet tall. 

Use. When the flowers have fully developed cut and dry them 
for Winter bouquets. The white sorts are not as clear and pure as 



100 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 



the purple. Gomphrenas are attractive in the garden but the colors 
harmonize with few other shades; therefore they should be planted 
among white flowers. Their colors are heightened by the contrast. 

Culture. Sow seed in early Spring as advised for other Ever- 
lastings, but as the seeds germinate slowly it is wise to soak them in 
hot water before sowing and to cover the soil during germination with 
grass chppings or a piece of burlap. Thin so that plants stand six to 
eight inches apart. 



Helichrysum — Strawflower 

The Strawflower is the largest and showiest of the Everlastings. 
Helichrysum hracteatum is the single type, but there are double forms 
cataloged as H. monstrosum. Named varieties in the various colors 
also are cataloged. The flowers range from white to yellow, crimson, 
pink, rose, chestnut, and rich purple. The darker shades are the most 
showy for Winter drying. The whites, though pretty when a few are 
grown, are too pale to produce brilliant efl'ects. The plants grow two 
feet tafl. 

Use. Besides being useful as Winter flowers, they are really 
beautiful garden subjects. Remember to 
cut the blooms before they are open; even 
the small, undeveloped buds will open 
when dried. 

Culture. It is usuafly wise to start 
these flowers early in a Funny window. 
Let the plants stand 12 inches apart. 



Helipterum 

The Everlastings listed in this little 
book as Acroclinium (page 99) and Rho- 
danthe (page 101), are also Helipterums 
but there is another sort known as Helip- 
terum Humholdiianum which is but rarely 
seen, although of considerable interest. 
The flowers are small, yellow and arranged 
in terminal clusters. The foliage is grey. 




Fig. 48. — Strawflowers. The 
upper blossom is in the right 
condition to cut; the lower 
one is old, unshapely and 
worthless for a bouquet. 



EVERLASTINGS 101 

Lunaria — Honesty 

Honesty is one of the old-fashioned Everlastings. Its main value 
is due to its large, silky, papery seed pods. The flowers are sweet- 
scented but Cabbage-like in character; in general, the whole plant 
resembles a weed, but its seed pods are so interesting that it is worth 
growing. When the seed pods are thoroughly ripe the outer covering 
is shed and the skin-Hke partition through which the seeds may be 
seen, is disclosed. The fact that these partitions are transparent has 
given to the plant its names of Honesty and Honest Pocketbook. It 
is classed as both an annual and a perennial. 

Culture. The plants grow well in shady places and are at home 
in ordinary garden soil as well as in the damper spots. Sow the seeds 
in the open ground early in order to allow time for a large number of 
seed pods to mature. Seed may be sown in Summer, in which case 
the plants will produce the seeds the following year. Let them stand 
eight inches apart. 

Rhodanthe — Swan River Everlasting 

The Rhodanthe (Helipterum Manglesii) is one of the slender- 
stemmed Everlastings. The flowers are rather bell-shaped, pink and 
white, and smaller than those of Helichrysum. The plants grow a 
foot tall and are dainty and graceful, but not showy. 

Use. For small basket and vase arrangements during the Winter, 
these little flowers are charming. They are raised by the acre in 
Europe where for years they have been popular. They are strongly 
reconunended in the catalogs for pot plants in the Winter window. 

Culture. The Rhodanthes are lovers of hot weather. The 
seed, if sown outdoors, should be planted only when the soil and air 
are warm. It is better not to move the plants but to thin them to 
stand six inches apart. 

Statice — Sea Lavender 

In order that this book may include all the various Everlastings 
several perennial sorts are included. Stalice lalifolia is a popular 
perennial sort growing two and a half feet taU with deep lavender- 
blue flowers borne in great profusion so as to form a mist-like mass of 
airy gracefuhiess a foot across. It has large, glossy, leathery leaves 
which lie upon the soil. 

Statice sinuata is an annual sort with mauve or white flowers 
forming a one-sided spike 30 inches tall. The stems are winged. 



102 A LITTLE BOaK OF ANNUALS 

The leaves lie flat on the soil and are scalloped. 5. Bonduellii has yel- 
low flowers but resembles S. sinuata in growth. 

Use. The Statices lend the same grace to a bouquet as does 
Baby's Breath {Gypsophila) . The lavender, deep blue, yellow, and 
white flowers are exceedingly useful and do not need to be placed in 
water. 

Culture. Statices thrive in ahnost any soil but clay. Sow 
the seeds in the hotbed or a sunny window in March. When the 
seedlings are large enough prick them out in flats so that they stand 
two inches apart. The stems of the annual Statices are weak and 
require staking. If they are grown in rows bamboo stakes and string 
may be used. The following notes taken from a professional florists' 
journal are of interest: 

"It should be mentioned that raising the seedlings is a somewhat tricky 
operation. The seed is sold in the form of the dried flowers, as it is impos- 
sible to free it from the flower tissues; it is small, much smaller than Aster 
seed, and black in color. The dried flower trusses are better for sowing if 
pulled apart, tedious task though it is. In any case, the flowers should 
be laid on their sides, not upright nor upside down, and just covered with 
soil. Unhke any other seed the writer is acquainted with, the radicle or 
rootlet appears from the top of the seed, not from the base where it is at- 
tached to the ovary. The rootlet pushes forth and, when it takes hold of 
the soil, pulls fromi the dead flower, two narrow leaflets which then push 
through the soil. It foUows that the seedlings appear in bunches but as 
a general rule many of the flowers contain no seed, a fact easily understand- 
able, as many of them are staminate or male flowers. 
1 .' 'Li-f^ ^ill be realized that unless started on their sides, the young seedlings 
Jaavt; smaU chance of freeing themselves from the mass of rubbish. If 
upside down they cannot get clear and if upright, the seed leaves are liable 
to rot before the rootlet can descend sufficiently to exert its pulling powers. 
The pricking off" process must be done expeditiously, for if left longer than 
ten days or so after the seedlings appear, the decaying flowers wifl cause 
wholesale damping-off". The pricking off must be done before the rough 
leaf appears. A smaU label is a good tool to use for lifting the seedlings 
and the worker must carefully pull the seedlings from among the mass and 
plant them so that the seed leaves just clear the soil. The amount of root 
is, of course, infinitesimal but the worker must avoid setting any plants 
with broken roots. Usually the germination is good enough to allow one 
to be discriminating. After pricking off, keep the flat covered with glass 
for a few days and exercise care in watering. After the plants get hold, 
they can be treated the same as indoor raised Asters. The flowers should 
be cut only when dry, and do not have to be placed in water." 

Xeranthemum: — Immortelle 

The Xeranthemum is an interesting Everlasting with purple, 
lavender, pink, and white flowers. It grows three feet tall and pro- 
duces its flowers in clusters. 



DECORATIVE SEED PODS I03 

Use. This and Gatananche are the only blue or purple Everlast- 
ing flowers As the foliage is hght, silvery green these plants are 
interesting for the garden as well as for cutting. 

Culture. Sow in the open in late April. Thin the plants to 
stand eight inches apart. 

Decorative Seed Pods 

Many of our weeds and garden flowers produce seed pods which 
are useful for combining with our Strawflowers and grasses in Winter 
bouquets. Although these pods are usually brown, they are of inter- 
esting forms. Among these plants are: 

fK ^^'':l^!u- ^". T. ^^'""^^^^ "^'^^ Gat-tails. Small bunches of 
ttiem with their dried leaves, are attractive in tall, cyhndrical vases. 

Dock Several species of this common weed produce large* 
irregular clusters of winged seeds which are said to resemble ground 
coffee by boys and girls who collect them to "play store." 

Evening Primrose. The seed pods of the Evening Primrose 
are borne m tall spires. They may be easily found along raikoad 
tracks and in waste places. Each capsule is about an inch long and 
IS four-parted at the top. ^ 

Globe Thistles (Eryngium). These perennials in our gardens 
bear greyish-green, globular, thistle-like heads that are interesting. 

GoLDENROD Goldcnrod dried quickly wifl retain its color for 
some months and for large mass eff'ects is a dainty material. 

Gypsophila (Baby's Breath). For use as a dried flower in Win- 
ter the double form of the perennial Gypsophila is exceptionally 
misty and adds an airy grace to a bouquet. 

Hydrangea. The large seed heads of the shrubby Hydranqea 
pamculata grandiflora are frequently cut and kept in Winter vases 

JiMsoN Weed. This obnoxious, thorny weed has one good 
feature m that it produces interesting, decorative, thorny capsules. 
1 ^^u'''''^'. T^^^ plant, which bears decorative seed pods, has 
ah-eady been discussed under the flowering Everlastings. (See page 101 ) 
Milkweed There is no question about the decorative beauty 
of an opemng Milkweed pod just as it scatters its seeds and sends its 
silken parachutes into the air. Unfortunately such seed pods are too 
messy for our homes. After the gauzy seeds are shed, however, the 
pods are exceedingly mteresting, appearing like shells poised upon 



104 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 



Mullein. The farmer sees little to admire in these tall, majestic 
spires of seed capsules, but the city dweller may find them of interest 
for use in the house. 

Plantain, Everlasting. Growing in most sections of our 
country are one or more species of everlastings with wooly grey leaves 
and small, creamy-white straw flowers. If gathered before the seeds 
ripen they have a real value for \A inter use. 

Rose. Along our roadsides grow many species of Roses that 
bear clusters of Rose fruits or "hips" which can add color to an other- 
wise dull bouquet of dried flowers and seed heads. 

Rose of Sharon. This shrub variously known as Hibiscus and 
Althaea, produces capsules which, while not attractive in color, are 
interesting in form. 

Rue. In some gardens of herbs and collections of Skakespearean 
plants Rue is grown. The plants have a repugnant odor but the seed 
capsules are interesting. They are globular and cluster at the ends 
of the stiff stems. 

Teazle (Fuller's Weed). The Teazles of our roadsides are 
prickly and forbidding but nevertheless interesting when Winter 
comes. It may be of interest to know that these spiny seed heads 

are used commercially for 

combing the nap upon the 

finer woolens. 

Velvet Leaf (Abutilon). 
In our rich garden soils there 
often spring up plants with 
heart - shaped leaves as 
smooth and velvety as a kit- 
ten's ear. The plants bear 
small yellow flowers which 
are followed by urn-shaped 
capsules, attractively 
crimped at the apex. These 
capsule - bearing stems are 

Ci;aty ~B^ird "^ne^'Ts POP^l^r SubjCCtS for thoSC pj^. soZwlsturtiums 

deligrhtfuL Like Nas- who are foud of painting in provide abundant 

turtium, it is a Tropaeo- . , flowers.shade and seed 

lum. mk. pods for pickles. 





ANNUAL VINES 105 

ANNUAL VINES 

ONE often desires a vine to shade a porch or hide an unsightly fence 
and one that will grow quickly. It is at such a time that the 
value of annual vines is appreciated. There are coarse sorts 
and dainty ones — types for every use. 

Among the most popular vines are those described below: 

Balloon Vine, or Love-in-a-PufF — Cardiospermum 

This rapid-growing climber does best in warm situations. It has 
small white flowers and seed vessels that resemble tiny balloons an inch 
in diameter. The plants grow eight to ten feet tall and may be used 
in any place where vines are needed. 

Culture. The seeds should be sown early in May in a light soil 
in a warm situation. 

Balsam Apple — Momordica 

The Balsam Apple is a remarkably handsome and ornamental 
vine, with beautiful dark green, lobed foliage and warty fruit. When 
ripe the fruit opens displaying the carmine interior. 

Species. The Balsam Apple, M. Balsamina, grows 15 to 20 feet 
tall and has orange colored apple-shaped fruits. (See fig. 51, page 
106.) The Balsam Pear, M. Charantia, grows about ten feet tall 
and has bright yellow pear-shaped fruit. 

Use. These vines are excellent for covering rockwork, trellises 
and stumps. 

Culture. Sow the seed in light, rich soil, about May (or when 
the trees are starting out in leaf) at the base of the support upon which 
the vines are to climb. 

Canary Bird Vine 

The Canary Bird Vine, or Canary Creeper (Tropseolum peregrinum) 
is a rapid growing chmber with canary-yellow blossoms resembling a 
bird with wings half expanded. The flowers are arranged in sprays. 

Use. The plant is used on treflises and as a screen to cover old 
fences. Except for its deeply cut petals and lobed leaves, it resembles 
Nasturtiums. 

Culture. The plants should be started in pots indoors in March 
and planted out when all danger of frost is past. Seed may also be 
sown in the open border late in the Spring. 



106 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 




Fig. 51.~Upper left, Cobaea, a rapid climber of pleasing character; tipper right, 
Morning Glory, an old kitchen porch favorite, but useful elsewhere, too; lower 
Ifjt, the Cypress Vine is graceful and has brilliant flowers; lower right, blossoms and 
an immature fruit of the interesting Balsam Apple; center, the Dipper Gourd 
combines oddity with usefulness. 



ANNUAL VINES 107 

Cardinal Climber 

The Cardinal Climber is a vine of great charm because of its 
bright red, Morning Glory-like flowers. The leaves are less finely 
lobed than those of the Cypress Vine. The vines grow 10 to 20 feet 
and flower ah season long. The seeds had best be soaked in hot water 
for a day before they are sown. 

Cobaea — Cup-and-Saucer Vine 

This rapid growing vine, Cobsea scandens, is most attractive. 
Although not an annual it is so treated in the North. The vines attain 
a height of 30 feet and the flowers are large and bell-shaped, ranging 
in color from pink to purple. They are followed by plum-shaped fruits. 

Culture. Sow the seeds in April, one to a pot. Press them 
into the soil edgewise, as they are large and flat, and germinate poorly 
when placed broad side down. 

Wild Cucumber- — Echinocystis 

The Wild Cucumber is one of our fastest growing vines. The 
common species, Echinocystis lobata, has light green leaves. The 
white flowers appear during July and August and are followed by an 
abundance of long, spiny seed pods. The plants grow from eight to 
thirty feet tall. 

The vines may be grown on trellises or for covering old trees and 
fences. They are not greatly admired by the author because of the 
spiny seed pods. 

The seeds may be sown in Autumn, in which case they should be 
nicked. If sown in Spring they should first be soaked in warm water. 
They will grow in any soil. 

Cypress Vine 

This is one of the daintiest of vines having fine, fern-hke fohage 
and being dotted with small, star-shaped flowers — orange, scarlet, 
and white in color. (See fig. 51, page 106.) 

It is very desirable for covering small, ornamental trellises. It is 
also a good climber to grow in pots during the Winter, or anywhere 
that graceful foliage is desired. It grows from fifteen to twenty feet 
high. 

The seeds should be sown in May. They are so hard that ger- 
mination takes place only when the seed coats are cut or filed and 
the seeds soaked in warm water. 

These vines enjoy light soil and a sunny location. 



108 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 

Gourds 

The Gourds are novel annual climbers with ornamental foliage 
and singularly shaped fruits which are often strangely colored and 
marked. 

The following are especially odd and are the ones most commonly 
cataloged: 

Dipper-Shaped. If this variety is grown on the ground its 
fruits will be of a different shape than if it is supported on a trellis. 
The fruit is slender and neck-like for two-thirds of its length and then 
widens into the form of a bowl. (See fig. 51, page 106.) 

Hercules' Club. This bears the largest of any of the Gourds, 
the fruits growing to a length of four feet. 

Dishcloth. The sponge-like, porous pulp dried and used as a 
dishcloth or sponge gives excellent results. 

Pear-Shaped. The striped fruits of this variety are very pretty. 

Serpent-Shaped. The fruit is three to five feet long and very 
slender. It is striped like a reptile and becomes carmine when ripe. 

Other interesting shapes are produced by the Egg, the Lemon, 
the Orange, the Apple and the Pipe Gourds. 

Use. Gourds are grown in America mostly for their unique 
fruits, and for covering treUises, old stumps and fences. In Japan, 
the tough fiber on the inside is used for the soles of sandals. In tropical 
countries, the shells are dried and used for dishes and drinking vessels. 
The Pipe Gourd is used in making Calabash pipe bowls. 

Culture. Gourd plants are exceptionally free from insect pests. 
Plant them six inches apart. Do not transplant, but sow the seed 
where the plants are to grow. 

Hop Vine — Humulus 

The Japanese Hop Vine, Humulus japonicus, is a rapid climber, 
attaining a height of 20 to 30 feet. It is much prettier than the com- 
mon Hop, its luxuriant foliage making a dense ornamental covering. 
H. japonicus var. variegatus is a form with variegated leaves that is 
preferred by some persons. 

The Japanese Hop is one of the best for covering verandas and 
trellises. Sow in light, rich soil at the base of the support upon which 
it is to climb. Heat or drought do not affect it, and it is not bothered 
by insects. 



ANNUAL VINES 109 

Hyacinth Bean — Dolichos 

This rapid-growing, twining climber flowers freely. The flowers 
are purple to snow white, pea-shaped, and followed by purple seed 
pods. The foliage is heart-shaped and bright green. 

There are several good varieties of the species, which is Dolichos 
Lahlah. Daylight, which was introduced from Japan, grows ten feet 
tall, and has snow white flowers. Darkness is identical in every way 
with the above, except that the flowers and seed pods are rich purple 
in color. 

Use. These vines are used as a screen, on trellises, or wherever a 
rapid growing vine is wanted. 

Culture, Plant in May where the vines are to grow and provide 
strings for them to twine around. The vines do not transplant well, 
but they are not afl*ected by pests. 

Morning Glory — Convolvulus 

In the beauty and delicacy of its brilliant flowers, the Morning 
Glory is unsurpassed, provided good sorts are chosen. 

Species. The common Morning Glory, Ipomcea purpurea, is 
commonly known as Convolvulus major. It is free flowering and grows 
rapidly to a height of 15 feet. The flowers come in all colors, the blues 
being particularly attractive. (See flg. 51, page 106.) 

Use. This vine may be used on trellises, arbors, verandas, or to 
cover any unsightly object. Much of the unpopularity of the Morning 
Glory in recent years has resulted from the fact that persons have al- 
lowed their Morning Glories to self sow and have, therefore, only the 
poorest colors, and smaller-flowering vines, which are often little better 
than weeds. 

Culture. The vine thrives in almost any soil or situation. To 
hasten germination soak the seed in warm water for from one to two 
hours before sowing. 



Nasturtium — Tropaeolum 

The popularity of the Nasturtium is chiefly due to the fact that 
it is an elegant and luxurious climber with lustrous foliage and profuse 
flowers of many colors — pale primrose-yellow, geranium-scarlet, 
deep scarlet, sulphur-blotched red, orange, creamy white, brilliant 
salmon, deep garnet, orange, and vermilion. (See fig. 50, page 104.) 



110 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 

Species. The common species is Tropseolum majus, but the best 
colors will be found in T. Lobbianum. Both species are very rapid 
growers, quickly reaching a height of 15 feet. 

Use. The vines may be used as bedding plants if the runners 
are pinned down. They are also unexcelled for verandas, trellises, to 
cover old stumps, fences, rough ground, or any unsightly object. 
The seed pods may be picked while green and put up in vinegar for 
pickles. Every gardener knows that the Nasturtium is without a rival 
as a cut flower. The more freely the flowers are cut the more freely 
they will be produced. 

Culture. Sow outside when the ground is warm, as the seeds 
will rot in cold, damp soil. A rather poor soil is best as the vines will 
produce many leaves and but few flowers in rich ground. These 
vines are of easiest culture requiring almost no care after being sown. 

If the plants become afl'ected with black lice, spray them with 
some form of tobacco extract. 

Scarlet Runner Bean — Phaseolus 

This Bean {Phaseolus muUiflorus) has attractive Pea-like flowers 
of a brilliant scarlet that are followed by an abundant crop of beans. 
During the war many persons planted this vine for beauty and ate the 
beans. 

Culture. The plant is of easy culture. Sow the seeds at the 
base of the trellis upon which they are to grow, when the soil is warm 
and frosts are passed. 

Thunbergia — Black-Eyed-Susan Vine 

This is a low-growing climber with perky, black-eyed flowers 
which in the commonest species (Thunbergia alata) are yellowish bufl" in 
color. T. alata alba has white flowers and those of T. aurantiaca are 
orange with a characteristic dark eye. None of the species ever at- 
tain a height of over six feet, and, unless encouraged to climb, will 
grow downward or along the ground. 

Use. This tendency to trail indicates the value of the plant for 
hanging baskets, porch boxes and in rockeries. In all these places it 
is highly efl'ective, but especially in the last named, because of the 
rustic appearance of the vine. 

Culture. The seeds of Thunbergia may be sown outdoors 
where they are to grow, but it is better to start them indoors in April. 



INDEX OF PLANT NAMES 



111 



INDEX OF PLANT NAMES 



(Figures in italics indicaie illustrations.) 



Pasre 

Acroclinium 99 

African Orange Daisy (see Dimorpho- 
theca) . 

Ageratum 21. 31, 52 

Agrostis 95, 96 

Aloysia (see Verbena). 

Alyssum, Sweet frontispiece, 23, 31 

Amaranth, Globe (see Gomphrena). 

Amaranthus 33, 34 

Amethyst (see Browallia). 

Ammo "ium 99 

Annual Mallow (see Lavatera). 
Antirrhinum (see Snapdragon) . 

Arctotis S^. 33 

Ar^emone 33, 35 

Aster, China (see China Aster). 

Baby Blue Eves (see Nemophila). 
Baby's Breath (see Gypsophila). 
Bachelor's Button (see Centaurea). 

Balloon Vine 105 

Balsam, 21. 34, 35; Apple, 105, 106; Pear. 105 
Basket Flower (see Centaurea). 

Bean, Scarlet Runner 110 

Bearded Tongue (see Pentstemon) . 
Belvidere (see Summer Cypress). 
Black-eyed Susan Vine (see Thunbergia) 
Blanket Flower (see Gaillardia). 
Blue Bottle (see Centaurea) . 
Blue-eyed African Daisy (see Arctotis). 
Blue Lace Flower (see Didiscus). 
Bluet (see Centaurea). 
Brachycome (see Swan River Daisy). 

Briza 95, 96 

Bromus 96 

Browallia 21. 32, 35 

Burning Bush (see Summer Cypress). 
Bush Eschscholtzia (see Hunnemannia). 
Butterfly Flower (see Schizanthus). 

Cacalia (see Emilia). 

Calendula 34, 36 

California Poppy (see Eschscholtzia). 

Calliopsis 36, 37 

Callistephus (see China Aster). 

Canary Bird Vine 104, 105 

Candytuft o7, 40 

Cardinal Climber 107 

Cardiospermum (see Balloon Vine). 

Castor Bean 3S 

Catananche 99 

Celosia 39,^0 

Centaurea 23, 41, 42 

China Aster 23 42, 43, 44 

Chinese Lantern Plant (see Physalis). 

Chrysanthemum 21. 4^ 

Clarkia 23. 4?', 48 

Cleome ". 48, ^S" 

Coba;a 106, 107 

Cockscomb (see Celosia) . 



Page 

Coix 96 

Convolvulus (see Morning Glory) . . 65, 109 
Coreopsis (see Calliopsis). 
Corn Flower (see Centaurea) . 

Cosmos 49 

Cucumber, Wild 107 

Cupid's Dart (see Catananche) . 
Cypress, Summer (see Summer Cypress) . 
Cypress Vine 106, 107 

Daisy, African Orange (see Dimorpho- 
theca; Swan River (see Swan River 
Daisy) . 

Datura 50, 5^ 

Delphinium (see Larkspur). 

Devil-in-the-Bush (see Nigella). 

Dianthus (see Pinks). 

Didiscus 50, 51 

Dimorphotheca 51, -'>£ 

Dolichos (see Hyacinth Bean). 

Echinocystis (see Cucumber Vine) . 
Egyptian Rose (see Scabiosa). 

Emilia 51,52 

Eragrostis 96 

Eschscholtzia, 52, 53; Bush, (see Hunne- 
mannia) . 

Euphorbia 53 

Evening Fr'mrose (see QEnothera), 
Everlastings 97 

Farewe'1-to-Spring (see Godetia). 

Fennel Flower (see Nigella). 

Fig Marigold (see Mesembryanthe- 

mum). 
Fire Bush (see Summer Cypress) . 
Fire-on-the-Mountain (see Euphorbia). 
Flax (see Linum). 
Flora's Paint Brush (see Emilia). 
Floss Flower (see Ageratum). 
Flower-of-in-Hour (see Hibiscus). 
Fountain Plant (see Amaranthus) . 
Four o'clock 51, 54 

Gaillardias 51, 5i 

Giant Yellow Tulip Poppy (see Hunne- 
mannia). 
Gillyflower (see Stock) . 
Globe Amaranth (see Gomphrena). 

Godetia 55,56 

Golden Wave (see Calliopsis). 

Gomphrena 99 

Gourds 106, 108 

Grasses, Ornamental 95 

Gypsophila 57 

Helianthus (see Sunflower). 

Helichrysum 100 

Heliotrope 27 

Helipterum 100 

Hibiscus. 57' 



11^ 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 



Page 
Hollyhock, Trailing (see Hibiscus). 
Honesty (see Lunaria) . 

Hordeum 96, 97 

Hop Vine 108 

Humulus (see Hop Vine). 

Hunnemannia 55, 58 

Hyacinth Bean 109 

Iberis (see Candytuft). 
Ice Plant (see Mesembryanthemum) . 
Immortelle (see Xeranthemum). 
Impatiens (see Balsam). 

Jack-in-t he-Bush (see Nigella). 

Job's Tears (see Coix). 

Joseph's Coat (see Amaranthus). 

Kochia (see Summer Cypress). 

Lady-in-the-Green (see Nigella). 
Lady Slipper (see Balsam). 

Lagurus 97 

Larkspur 56, 58 

Lathyrum (see Sweet Peas). 

Lavatera 56, 59 

Linum 5^, 59 

Lippia (see Verbena). 

Lobelia 60 

Love Grove (see Nemophila). 
Love-in-a-Mist (see Nigella); -in-a-Puff 

(see Balloon Vine); -Lies Bleeding (see 

Amaranthus). 

Lunaria 101 

Lupines (Lupinus) 23, 61 

ISIaiden-in-the-Green (see Nigella). 
Malcomia (see Virginian Stock). 
Mallow, Annual (see Lavatera). 

Marigold 61 

Marshmallow (see Hibiscus) . 
Marvel of Peru (see Four o'Clock). 
Matthiola (see Stock). 

Mesembryanthemum 62 

Mexican Fire Plant (see Euphorbia and 
Summer Cypress) ; Poppy (see Arge- 
mone). 

Mignonette 63 

Mimosa 64 

Mimulus 64 

Mirabilis (see Four o'Clock). 
Momordica (see Balsam Apple). 
Monkey Flower (see Mimulus). 

Morning Glory, Dwarf, 65; Tall 106, 109 

Mourning Bride (see Scabiosa). 
Musk Plant (see Mimulus). 

Nasturtium UH, 108 

Nemophila 66 

Nicotiana 66, 67 

Nigella 67,68 

(Enothera 68 

Ornamental Grasses (see Grasses) ; To- 
bacco (see Nicotiana). 
Painted Daisy (see Chrysanthemum); 
Leaf (see Euphorbia); Tongue (see 
Salpiglossis) . 

Pansv 23,68,70 

PapaVer 76,77 

Pennisetum 97 

Pentstemon 71, 74 

Perilla 21. 72 

Petunia 21. 70, 72 



Page 

Phacelia 21, 73 

Phaseolus (see Scarlet Runner Bean). 

Phlox 21, 73, 74 

Physalis 75, 76 

Pincushion Flower (see Scabiosa). 

Pinks 21. 75, 76 

Poinsettia, Annual (see Euphorbia). 
Poor Man's Orchid (see Schizanthus). 
Poppy, California (see Eschscholtzia) ; 
Giant Yellow Tulip, (see Hunneman- 
nia) ; Mexican, (see Argemone) ; Opium, 
(see Papaver) ; Prickly, (see Argemone) ; 
Shirley, (see Papaver) . 

Portulaca 77, 78 

Pot Marigold (see Calendula) . 
Primrose, Evening (see Oenothera). 
Prince's Feather (see Amaranthus). 

Ragged Sailor (see Centaurea). 
Reseda (see Mignonette). 

Rhodanthe. . . .^ 101 

Ricinus (see Castor Bean.) 
Rose Moss (see Portulaca). 

Sage (see Salvia) . 

Salpiglossis 21, 78 

Salvia . . . , 79 

Sanvitalia. 80 

Satin Flower (see Godetia) . 

Scabiosa, Sweet Scabious 75, 80 

Schizanthus 23. 81, 55 

Sea Lavender (see Statice). 
Sensitive Plant (see Mimosa'*. 
Seven Sisters (see Portulaca). 

Snapdragon 81, 55 

Snow-on-the-^Iountain (see Euphorbia) 
Spider Flower, Giant (see Cleome). 
Spurge (see Euphorbia). 

Statice 101 

Stock, 82, 83; Virginian 93 

Strawflow-er (see Helichrysum) . 
Sultan, Sweet (see Centaurea). 

Summer Cypress 83, 84 

Sunflower 55, 84 

Sun Plant (see Portulaca). 

Swan River Daisy, 85; Everlasting (see 

Rhodanthe). 
Sweet Alyssum (see Alyssum) ; Peas, 86, 

90; Scabious (see Scabiosa); Sultan 

(see Centaurea). 

Tagetes (see Marigold). 
Tas.sel Flower (see Emilia). 
Texas Pride (see Phlox). 

Thunbergia 1 10 

Tobacco, Ornamental (see Nicotiana). 

Torenia 90, 92 

Trachymene (see Didiscus). 
Tropseolum (see Canary Bird Vine and 

Nasturtium) 
Trumpet Flower (see Datura). 

Verbena, 21. 90, 92; Lemon 93 

Virginian Stock 50, 93 

Winter Cherry (see Physalis) . 
Wishbone Flower (see Torenia). 
Woolflow-er (see Celosia). 

Xeranthemum 102 

Youth and Old Age (see Zinnia). 

Zea 97 

Zinnia....' -90,93 



TABULAR CULTURAL INDEX 



118 



TABULAR CULTURAL INDEX 

(For Synonyms See Preceding Index of Plant Names.) 



Species or variety 



Page 



Height 



Thin to 

(inches) 

apart 



Color or 
other 
feature 



Acrocliuium' ; 

Ageratum -. 

Agrostis 

Alyssum, Sweet 

Amaranthus caudatus 

Amaranthus hypochondriacus. . 
Amaranthus salicifolius 

Amaranthus tricolor 

Ammobium 

Arctotis 

Argemone grandiflor^ 

Argemone mexicana 

Balloon Vine 

Balsam 

Balsam Apple 

Balsam Pear 

Bean, Scarlet Runner 

Briza maxima 

Briza minor 

Bromus 

Browallia alata (demissa) 

Calendula 

Calliopsis Drummondii 

Caliiopsis tinctoria 

Canary Bird Vine 

Candytuft 

Cardinal Climber 

Castor Bean 

Catananche 

Celosia argentea (plumosa) . . . . 

Celosia Childsii 

Celosia cristata 

Centaurea americana , 

Centuarea cyanea 

Centaurea imperialis (m.os- 
chata) 

China Aster 



Chrysanthemum carinatum.. . . 



99 
31 
95 
31 
33 
33 
33 

33 

99 
33 

35 
35 

105 
35 

105 
105 
110 
95 
95 
96 
35 

36 
36 
36 

105 
37 

107 
3S 

99 
30 
39 
39 

41 
41 



12 to 15 in. 

6 to 24 in. 

18 in. 

Sin. 

5 to 6 ft. 

4 to 5 ft. 

3 ft. 

18 to 24 in. 

12 to 18 in. 
24 in, 

36 in. 
36 in. 

8 to 10 ft. 
18 to 24 in. 

15 to 20 ft. 
10 ft. 

5 to 6 ft. 
18 in. 
12 in. 
24 in. 
18 in. 

12 to 18 in. 
18 in. 
36 in. 

4 to 6 ft. 
12 to 18 in. 

10 to 20 ft. 
3 to 12 ft. 

12 in. 

30 to 36 in. 

24 in. 

5 to 24 in. 

36 in. 
24 in. 



24 in. 
24 in. 



8 to 10 
6 to 9 
6 to 8 
6 to 8 
15 to 18 
15 to 18 
15 to 18 

15 to 18 

6 to 8 
12 to 18 

6 to 8 
6 to 8 

15 to 18 
12 to 18 

Specimen 
Specimen 
8 to 12 
6 to 8 
6 to 8 
6 to 8 
6 in. 

12 to 15 
8 to 12 
8 to 12 

12 to 18 
6 to 8 

Clumps 
24 in. 

8 to 12 
24 
24 
24 

12 



8 to 12 
12 



24 in. 



12 



Pink, white 

Blue, white 

Ornamental grass 

White 

(Flowers) red 

(Flowers) purplish-red 

(Leaves) bronze green 
and orange red 

(Leaves) scarlet, green, 
yellow and white 

White 

White, steel blue cen- 
ter 

White 

Yellow 

Green "balloons" 
White, flesh, salmon, 
rose, purple, violet 
(Fruit) orange 
(Fruit) yellow 
Scarlet 

Ornamental grass 
Ornamental grass 
Ornamental grass 
Blue, white 

Gold, lemon, sulphur 

Golden yellow ■»•'.' 

Yellow, marked with 
mahogany 

Yellow 

White, purple, lav- 
ender, crimson 

Cardinal 

(Leaves) green, pur- 
ple, maroon 

Blue, white 

Gold, pink, crimson 

Crimson 

Crimson, golden yel- 
low 

Rosy lavender 

Blue, purple, rose, 
white 

White, pink, yellow, 
lavender, purple 

Rose pink, white, vio- 
let, purple, pink, 
lavender 

White and purple, 
yellow 



114 



A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 



Tabular Cultural Index — Continued 



Species or variety 


Page 


Height 


Thin to 

(inches) 

apart 


Color or 
other 
feature 


Chrysanthemum coronarium.. . 
Clarkia 


47 
48 
48 
107 
96 
49 
107 
107 

50 
50 
51 

51 
96 
53 
53 
53 

54 

54 

55 

55 

99 
108 

57 
100 

100 
57 
57 
97 

108 

58 
109 

97 

58 

59 
59 
59 
60 


36 in. 

24 in. 

3 to 4 ft. 

30 ft. 

24 to 36 in. 

3 to 6 ft. 

8 to 30 ft. 

15 to 29 ft. 

24 to 36 in. 

24 in. 
12 to 15 in. 

18 in. 

24 in. 

12 in. 
24 to 36 in. 
24 to 36 in. 

24 in. 

IS in. 

12 to 24 in. 

6 to 12 in. 

12 to 24 in. 
3 to 5 ft. 

18 in. 
24 in. 

18 in. 
48 in. 
24 in. 

24 to 36 in. 
20 to 30 ft. 

24 in. 

19 ft. 

12 to 18 in. 
24 in. 

30 in. 
12 in. 
36 in. 
4 in. 
24 in. 
24 to 36 in. 

24 to 36 in. 
24 to 36 in. 

6 in. 
12 to 18 in. 

Trailing 
12 in. 
12 in. 
15 ft. 

Trailing 


12 

7 to 9 
24 

Clumps 

12 

24 to 36 

6 to 8 

Clumps 

18 

12 

12 to 18 

4 
6 to 8 

8 
18 
18 

12 to 24 

12 

12 

12 

6 to 8 
12 to 18 

8 to 12 
12 

6 to 8 

24 

18 

12 

Specimen 

8 to 10 
12 

6 
8 to 12 

24 

8 to 12 

12 

8 

12 to 18 

12 

12 

12 

8 to 12 

8 

12 
18 
12 
12 
12 


Yellow 

Rose, lilac, pink, white 




Pink 


Cob«a. 


Pink, purple 


Coix ... 


Ornamental grass 




White, pink, crimson 


Cucumber, W^ild 


White 




Scarlet 


Datura 


White, purple, yellow 


Didiscus . ... 


Blue 




Orange 


Emilia 


Orange 




Ornamental grass 


Eschscholtzia 


White, pink, orange 


Euphorbia heterophylla 

Euphorbia marginata 


(Leaves) scarlet 
(Leaves) margined 




with white 
White, crimson, yellow 


Gaillardia 


Yellow and rosy pur- 




ple 




let, crimson, white 
Rose and white, scar- 




let, dark crimson, 

white 
Amaranth, pink, white 
(Fruits) oddly shaped. 






marked and colored 
White, pink, rose 


Helichrysum . .... 


Yellow, scarlet, pink. 


Helipterum 


white 
Yellow 




yellow and maroon 


Hibiscus trionum 


Yellow, white 




Ornamental grass 


Hop Vine 


(Leaves) green and 




white 
Yellow . 


Hyacinth Bean 


White, purple 




Ornamental grass 


Larkspur ... 


White, pink, scarlet. 


Lavatera 


blue, purple 
Pink 




Scarlet 


Linum usitatissimum 


Blue 


Lobelia 


Blue, white 




10 
6 

6 
6 

6 


1 
1 

1 
1 


Purple 


Lupinus Hartwegii 


Blue and red, blue 


Lupinus hirsutus 


and white 
Blue 




Yellow 




White, light rose 


Mignonette 

Mimosa 


63 

64 

64 

64 

109 


White, brownish yel- 
low 
Pink 




Yellow and crimson 


Mimulus moschatus 


Yellow 


Morning Glory 


Various 


Morning Glory, Dwarf 


e 


5 


Blue, pink, purple 



TABULAR CULTURAL INDEX 



115 



Tabular Cultural I^dex — Continued 



Species or variety 



Nasturtium 

Nemophila 

Nicotiana affinis and N. syl- 

vestris 

Nicotiana Sanderse 

Nigella 

QEnothera America 

(Enothera Drummondii 

CEnothera mexicana (rosea) . . . 

Pansy 

Papaver Rhoeas 

Papa ver somniferum 

Pennisetum 

Pentstemon 

Perilia 

Petunia 

Phacelia 

Phlox Drummondii 

Physalis Alkekengi 

Physalis Franchetii 

Pinks 

Portulaca 

Rhodanthe 

Salpiglossis 

Sah-ia patens 

Salvia splendens 

Sam-italia 

Scabiosa 

Schizanthus 

Snapdragon 

Statice 

Stock 

Summer Cypress 

Sunflower 

Swan River Daisy 

Sweet Peas 

Tagetes erecta 

Tagetes patula 

Tagetes signata 

Thunbergia 

Torenia 

Verbena 

Virginian Stock 

Xeranthemum 

Zea 

Zinnia 



Page 



109 



68 
76 
76 
97 

71 

72 
72 

73 
73 

75 
75 
75 

77 

101 

78 
79 
79 
80 
80 

81 

81 

101 

83 

84 

84 
85 



61 
61 

62 

110 

92 

92 
93 

102 

97 



93 



Height 



8 to 19 ft. 
6 in. 

36 in. 
36 in. 
18 in. 

12 to 24 in. 
12 to 24 in. 
12 to 24 in. 

6 in. 
24 to 36 in. 
18 to 24 in. 

2 to 5 ft. 

24 to 36 in. 

18 in. 
12 in. 

9 in. 
6 to 18 in. 

24 in. 
24 in. 
12 in. 

Creeping 

12 in. 

24 in. 

24 in. 

36 in. 

6 in. 

24 to 30 in. 

24 in. 

8 to 36 in. 

30 in. 

12 to 18 in. 

24 to 30 in. 

3 to 8 ft. 
10 in. 

36 to 72 in. 

30 in. 
12 in. 

12 in. 

6 ft. 

12 to 15 in. 

12 in. 
6 to 8 in. 

36 in. 

4 to 6 ft. 



12 to 36 in. 



Thin to 

(inches) 

apart 



12 



24 
24 

8 to 12 

8 to 12 
8 to 12 
8 to 12 

4 

6 to 8 

6 toS 

12 

12 

18 
9 

8 
8 

12 
12 

8 to 12 

4 
6 to 8 



12 to 18 
12 to 18 

8 



18 

12 

6 to 8 

12 

24 

24 

5 to 6 
3 to 6 

18 
IS 

18 

6 to 8 
12 to 15 

12 

8 

8 
Clumps 



12 



Color or 
other 
feature 



and 



Various 

Blue, white, purple 

White 
Pink 
Blue, white 

White 
Yellow 
Rose 

Various 
Various 
Various 
Grass ; bronze 

green leaves 
White, pink, lavender, 
crimson 

(Leaves) purplish 
White, pink, purple, 

blue 
Blue 
White, pink, scarlet, 

lavender 
(Pods) orange 
(Pods) red 
Crimson, red, lilac, 

white 
Yellow, white, scarlet 

Pink, white 

Crimson, gold, maroon 

Blue 

Scarlet 

Yellow and purple 

White, pink, scarlet, 

blue, purple 
Various 
Various 

Lavender, yellow 
Tints of violet, pink, 

white 
(Foliage) turns from 

green to bluish red 
Orange, lemon 
White, pink, blue 
Various 

Golden yellow 
Golden yellow 

maroon 
Golden yellow 
Yellow, white, lemon 
Blue, white 

Various 

Lilac, red, white 

Purple, lavender, white 

Ornamental grass; yel- 
low, pink, and white 



and 



striped foliage 
Various 



116 A LITTLE BOOK OF ANNUALS 

To Make This Book More Useful 

NO book can tell you all you should or want to know about such a 
subject as gardening, nor even about a single phase of it such as 
the use of annuals. Full knowledge can come only from actual 
experience, observation, study and the application of the lessons to 
be learned from the Uving plants themselves, in addition to reading.' ' 
To be of real help these facts and discoveries should be set down 
and kept for future reference. We have left the remaining pages in 
this volume blank so that upon them you can jot down notes about 
what you observe in your garden and other gardens; facts and data for 
ready reference; records of plant growth and cultural operations — so 
that each year's garden work will represent the mature judgment and 
accumulated wisdom of the seasons that have gone before. To the 
extent that you make use of these pages you will get from the rest of 
the book the helpful information and inspiration that it contains. 



Garden Notes and Memoranda 



Garden Notes and Memoranda 



Garden Notes and Memoranda 



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